Staff & Reader Submitted

BOOK REVIEW: THE ENGINE IN THE SKY (DYSON BRIDGE, #3) by V.G. Harrison

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:25:05 Z

The Engine in the Sky

The Dyson Bridge, #3

V.G. Harrison

Its a race to save New Earth as the Bridgeway Space Stations orbital decay accelerates.

The Engine in the Sky is the third episode of author V.G. Harrisons exciting Dyson Bridge series and the continuing adventures of Dr. Meridia Vail and the crew of the ill-fated Bridgeway Space Station that was blasted from its own dimension into that of a similar but less advanced version of their Earth. Five years have passed, and the stations orbit around New Earth has begun to decay at an accelerated rate, threatening the planets very existence. With the countries of New Earth all vying for the advanced knowledge and technology the crew and equipment represent, Meridia and her colleagues race to regain control and prevent their misuse. However, their long sojourn in seclusion on the planet has had unexpected ramifications for their health, and many of the accidental interdimensional space travelers are dying. Their only cure may be to return to the Bridgeway as soon as possible.

This latest installment of the Dyson Bridge series follows the crews desperate efforts to return to the space station and keep the New Earthers from taking their technology for nefarious purposes. Meridia gets to meet and spend time with her interdimensional self, who in this iteration is a married mother of two with a degree in mechanical engineering and a genius for designing and building futuristic automobiles from scratch. Bridgeway Meridia feels the emotional pangs of her pending divorce and the miscarriage she suffered in her own dimension and timeline, as she gets to know the children of her New Earth counterpart.

This story is a wonderful mix of action, adventure, political machinations, personal development, and personal crises, with characters who feel like friends. As it is a continuation of the Bridgeways ongoing trials, it is best read after completing the previous two novels in the series. I recommend THE DYSON BRIDGE series to science fiction readers with a preference for space opera action/adventure style storylines.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: THE BONE NEST by Shanessa Gluhm

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 Z

The Bone Nest

Shanessa Gluhm

It was their final summer together, and nothing would ever be the same.

The Bone Nest is a suspenseful and cleverly plotted murder mystery by Shanessa Gluhm and set in Blusummer, Texas, where almost 40 years earlier, a serial killer had committed a string of murders of young local women, strangled and photographed, the bodies of the first three never found. That summer was the last one that Hayes Sheridan, Chantilly Price, Troy Terrell, and Greer Collins would have together before the four split up to follow their post-graduation college and work plans. But the 4^th of July would see the group destroyed as one would die and another would be accused of murder.

Fast-forward to 2024, where a young criminal defense attorney, Joaquin Ramos, out to enervate his new practice and make a name for himself, would take on the death sentence case of Troy Terrell, the convicted serial killer known as "The Songbird Strangler," whose punishment was scheduled to be carried out after the New Year. Working to overturn Troy's conviction at the behest of the Death Penalty Abolition Program, Joaquin and his team have an uphill battle as the previous petitions on Troy's behalf have failed.

The story unfolds in dual timelines (1986 and 2024) and from multiple points of view, giving readers a front-row seat to the events of both the past and the present, and personal insight into the characters involved. Because we know Troy Terrell is on death row, with his time running, and that he was there for the murder of his friend, Tilly, the buildup to the night of July 4, 1986, is breath-stealingly suspenseful. There are secrets among all the friends, which develop later into several plausible motives for Tilly's murder. I was completely certain I knew who the killer was SEVERAL times, only to have one theory after another kicked to the curb by the plot, which would take spectacular turn after spectacular turn.

The resulting tale is full of missed connections and choices that led to unfulfilled dreams and futures that never lived up to expectations. The main female character, Greer Collins Sheridan, one of the four teenagers in 1986, had loved Hayes Sheridan all her life but only got him by default. She gets the life she dreamed of, only to face tragedy and the knowledge that she was always his second choice. Hayes follows his parents' plans for his future rather than his dream of becoming a farmer. Troy, who just wanted to get out of Blusummer, gets his wish, but life on death row for a murder he swears he didn't commit was a devastatingly cruel plot twist. Even the attorney, Joaquin, who dreams of winning big in court and is not afraid to put in the work to achieve it, faces a personal roadblock. His attraction to Melrose Reed, the paralegal on Troy's defense team, feels wrong, and as her boss, it is inappropriate as long as they work together. But he hopes with all his heart that after the case is settled, he can finally approach her as a regular man interested in a legitimate romantic relationship.

With its strong and interesting character development and clever, twisty plot, I recommend THE BONE NEST to readers of suspense, mysteries, and thrillers.

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

Hidden Treasure of Texas - Bouquet Agate Collection

Tom Keener — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 18:04:14 Z

The Allen Public Library presents the stunning Bouquet Agate collection of Brad Tanas at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 23. A member of the Dallas Gem and Mineral Society, Brad presents community educational programs as a snapshot of Texas's geology with a focus on agates and agatized palm woods. Brad observes, I hope these presentations increase awareness and knowledge of geology and related earth sciences and a higher appreciation of the lapidary arts. Inspired youth of today may become our geo-scientists of tomorrow. This presentation will demonstrate how beautiful Bouquet agates form, where to collect and how to cut and polish. Specimens include rough agate still in host basalt, loose Bouquet nodules as picked up off the ground and finished specimens which includes polished slabs, free form cabs, contoured polished nodules and triplet Bouquet belt buckles.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr.

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW - THE TALES OF SIDNEY AND JOJO: ADVENTURES IN THAILAND by Lauren Isaacson

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 10:43:55 Z

The Tales of Sidney and JoJo:

Adventures in Thailand

Lauren Isaacson

Illustrated by Megan Heller

Colorful, informative, and entertaining about two cats and their journey to their new home in Thailand.

The Tales of Sidney and Jojo: Adventures in Thailand is a colorful, informative, and very entertaining new childrens picture book by author Lauren Isaacson. It is the story of two cats, Sidney and JoJo, and their long journey overseas by air to Thailand to reunite with their owner, whom they call Mama.

Sidney, a black and white tuxedo cat, and JoJo, a brown and gray tabby, are at Grandmas and Grandpas house when they are crated and begin their adventure. Although the exact location of their starting point is left unsaid, the journey the two felines embark on is one of many long hours in the air, with a layover where they are let out of their crate to exercise, eat, and drink. Sidney is the bolder of the two, and JoJo relies heavily on her for comfort. Both cats are naturally curious, and that curiosity tends to distract JoJo from his fears.

The story follows the cats as they make their trip to a new-to-them country and, along with the helpful input from a dog also crated and on his way to parts unknown, reveals the processes they encounter to enter Thailand. For example, they are examined by a vet soon after landing in-country and spend a night in quarantine before finally being safely delivered to Mamas house.

The story is enhanced by artist Megan Hellers colorful illustrations, which bring to life Sidneys and JoJos experiences on their way to The Land of Smiles. Young children will enjoy the cats expressions and reactions to their adventures, as well as the introduction to some simple Thai phrases.

I recommend THE TALES OF SIDNEY AND JOJO: ADVENTURES IN THAILAND to young readers and listeners who like stories featuring cats, air travel, and seeing new and exotic locations and their people.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

BOOK REVIEW: THE VANISHERS by R.G. Belsky

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 10:37:17 Z

The Vanishers

R.G. Belsky

Cancel your plans, grab this book!

The Vanishers is a new thriller by R.G. Belsky, and youre going to want to cancel any other plans you have once you crack this book open; its an absolutely gripping page-turner! With its engaging and sympathetic main character and riveting plot, youre not going to want any distractions until you get to the bottom of this mystery.

Megan and Patrick Foley are looking for a summer rental on the shore: a place to get away from the stress of their jobs and the city, and to devote time to each other and focus on their marriage that has become full of daily conflict. They find the perfect place on Pleasant Street in Stone Beach, Connecticut: a beautiful old home with plenty of spacious bedrooms for several summer tenants, right on the beach, and at an unbelievably low price. The older woman who owns the place, Mrs. Monahan, is pleasant, too, and eager to share her home with others for the season. Her husband, who is an invalid, stays secluded in his room on the top floor of the house, and the other guests, including the family with the two young boys, all seem nice. Sure, the boys argue, like brothers tend to do, especially when the younger boys Nintendo Switch goes missing, but the next day, when the younger brother doesnt appear, everyone in the house claims there was ever only one child! Even Patrick is adamant he never saw another boy. Now Megan is on a mission to find out what happened to him and why everyone denies he ever existed, or find a psychiatrist to treat her delusion quick, fast, and in a hurry.

What a page-turner! Megan Foley is the epitome of the typical young career woman balancing life with a spouse who is also working to succeed in his field. Patrick is a bit overbearing, ready to proclaim how Megan should do everything his way, often getting his way as she gives in to his demands. The goal of closing the gap between them as a couple is quickly disrupted when she is the only one who remembers the younger Beecham son, and all evidence of his ever having existed amazingly evaporates as well. The tension builds as Megan confronts Mrs. Monahan and seeks help from an investigator of the unexplainable. The rising suspense of the puzzling events kept me glued to the story from start to finish.

I recommend THE VANISHERS to readers of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

Garages of America Expands into Colleyville

Carolyn Alvey — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:38:49 Z

Garages of America, a premier developer of luxury garages designed for automotive enthusiasts, collectors, hobbyists and entrepreneurs, is bringing its signature garage lifestyle to Colleyville.

Located at John McCain Road and Colleyville Boulevard in Colleyville, the new development marks the companys first garage community in Tarrant County and will offer an opportunity to own a premium, fully customizable space in one of North Texas most desirable communities.

Garages of America Colleyville will include four individual buildings. The first is a 16,542 square foot flex/office space with retail space facing Colleyville Boulevard. The second, which is 28,320 square feet, is also anchored by retail space and will include office and flex spaces. The third and fourth buildings, each 24,000 square feet, will be home to the individual luxury garage spaces. Colleyville will be the first Garages of America community to include retail space within the complex and will offer a total of 47 individual garage suites and seven flex space units.

This project represents an exciting expansion for Garages of America, said Jack Griffin, co-founder of Garages of America. Colleyville is an ideal location for our business model and luxury experience for our future owners. This is much more than a place to store vehicles. It is a destination created for automotive enthusiasts and people who want a secure, private and customizable space to enjoy their passions.

Ideally situated just minutes from Colleyville Town Center, Southlake Town Square and Timarron Country Club, Garages of America Colleyville combines exceptional convenience with the security, privacy and flexibility that define the Garages of America experience.

Each garage suite will provide owners with the opportunity to create a personalized space tailored to their individual needs, whether that includes premium vehicle storage, a private retreat, a showcase space for a collection, or the ultimate dream garage. The development is designed for owners who value quality, flexibility and a community built around shared interests.

The Colleyville project expands the Garages of America footprint in North Texas while introducing the brand to Northeast Tarrant County, an area known for its affluent communities, strong lifestyle amenities and proximity to major business and entertainment destinations.

Last year, the company started construction on Garages of America Firewheel, where they are building 71 luxury garages and 10 flex office warehouse spaces off President George Bush Highway in Garland.

Earlier this year, Garages of America expanded their sold-out Carrollton community, adding 67 garage suites and six flex office warehouse spaces adjacent to the original Carrollton development.

Each luxury garage offers premium features such as 24/7 access, gated security, climate-controlled options, and community amenities for gatherings and events.

Current and upcoming Garages of America developments include:

Allen, TX
Carrollton, TX (Phase I & II)
Dallas, TX
Frisco, TX (Phase I & II)
Garland, TX (Firewheel under construction)
Katy, TX (Houston)
Lakeway, TX (Austin)
Plano, TX
Roanoke, TX
Rockwall
The Woodlands, TX (Houston)

Founded in 2014 by real estate developer Fred Gans and former Le Mans race car driver and developer Jack Griffin, Garages of America pioneered the luxury garage ownership concept with its first community in Plano, Texas. The company has expanded with locations in North Texas, Austin and Houston. For more information, visit garagesofamerica.com.

The Best Venue in Town to Watch the Rest of the Soccer Matches

Culver Public Relations — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:07:28 Z

The final games are heating up, and Dallas soccer fans still have a front-row seat to all the action.

As the international soccer tournament moves closer to the end of the tournament, the Venetian Champions Club at Fairmont Dallas will remain open through July 19, offering an indoor viewing experience in the hotels historic Venetian Room.

The 4,400-square-foot space features a massive 16-by-20-foot viewing screen, multiple TVs, three bars, interactive games, local craft beers, specialty cocktails, and game-day food specials, making it an easy spot to gather with friends or connect with fellow fans.

Whether youve followed every match from the beginning or are joining the excitement for the final stretch, the Venetian Champions Club offers a unique way to experience the global soccer celebration taking over Dallas this summer.

JL Long Bucs 6th grade Soccer ready for Fall 2026 Season

Victor Aves — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:40:48 Z

What a time to be a soccer fan this year with FIFA World Cup 2026 in our own backyard! With the Summer heat and other activities, its easy to forget about local soccer! However, in its continuing tradition of giving new sixth grade students at J.L. Long Middle School an opportunity to play team sports, the YMCA and JL Long PTA are hoping for another great season of sixth grade soccer! Under UIL Rules, sixth grade students cannot participate in school team sports, so this is a fantastic opportunity for children to stay active. The team is co-ed and open to anyone attending JL Long or any nearby schools. Players can be of any skill level including beginners. The Fall teams first practice will be on August 18th and scheduled games will begin Saturday August 29^th!

The team will consist of 14+ players and will be co-ed. Everyone will have a chance to play! The team practices are at Willis Winters (or Randall Park) across from Woodrow Wilson High School from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games are mostly played on Saturdays. If we get enough players, we may have 2 teams!

Cost is $105for Y members and $140 for non-Y members through the White Rock YMCA or you can also register with the Richardson YMCA where cost is $90 for Y members and $110 for non- members through August 7th (as of this printing on WR/Richardson YMCA website). The White Rock YMCA is offering uniforms with their registration, the Richardson YMCA is not. Scholarships are available. All Players must be registered before first game.

To register, you can go in person to the White Rock YMCA at 7301 Gaston Ave Dallas, TX 75214 and register under JL Long Buccaneers OR you may register online at either the White Rock or Richardson YMCA (the existing link on the WR YMCA website as of this article). For more information contact Victor Aves at 214-616-0194 or vaves@pegasusrealtyinc.com OR the White Rock YMCA at 214-328-3849 or Richardson YMCA 972-231-3424

Waiting on Julio-Free concert!

Tom Keener — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:19:55 Z

Allen Public Library offers an exciting free concert with the Dallas-based Waiting For Julio at 7:30 pm Friday, July 17. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr., in Allen. Formed 10 years ago, this seven-piece bands music evolved into an eclectic mix of styles from the 1950s to the 2000s. Their performances cover rock, blues, reggae, soul, country, and rockabilly. Performing at a variety of venues including clubs, restaurants, conventions, festivals, major fundraisers, and outdoor venues like The HUB in Allen, group members are a mix of transplants and native sons.

Waiting for Julio comprises Chris Shaw (Birmingham, England) on guitar and vocals, Fred Moss (Washington, DC) on guitar and vocals, Ken McIntyre (May Pen, Jamaica) on percussion and vocals, Tony Pirro (Cleveland, Ohio) on drums and vocals, Ron Lansing (Heath, Texas) on guitar and vocals, Kyle Cole (Garland, Texas) on bass guitar and vocals, and Chase Crenshaw (Garland, Texas) on keyboards and vocals.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

Summer of Soccer Has Taken Over Draft Sports Bar & Lounge at Sheraton Dallas

Culver Public Relations — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:48:56 Z

This is where Dallas watches the match.

You can feel it the moment you walk through the doors. Every goal sparks cheers across the room, strangers become teammates for 90 minutes, and every screen is tuned to the biggest matches of the summer.

With 25 TVs, cold local beer on tap, specialty cocktails, and game-day favorites made for sharing, Draft Sports Bar & Lounge at Sheraton Dallas has become one of downtown's best places to experience the Summer of Soccer.

Whether you're meeting friends before kickoff, celebrating a win, or just looking for the energy that only comes from watching alongside fellow fans, this is where the tournament comes to life.

Come hungry, stay for the match, and don't miss the House Honey Beer, a crisp lager brewed in partnership with Manhattan Project Beer Company using honey harvested right at Sheraton Dallas.

The Best Venue in Town to Watch the Soccer Matches This Summer

Culver Public Relations — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:15:39 Z

If you're planning to take in the excitement of the international soccer tournament, the Venetian Champions Club at Fairmont Dallas will be open through July 19, offering an indoor viewing experience in the hotel's historic Venetian Room.

The 4,400-square-foot fan zone features a massive 16-by-20-foot viewing screen, multiple TVs, three bars, interactive games, local craft beers, specialty cocktails, and game-day food specials, making it an easy spot to gather with friends or fellow fans.

One of the highlights is the Passport Cocktail experience. Throughout the tournament, guests can "travel" the world one cocktail at a time with drinks inspired by participating countries, including the Netherlands, Japan, England, Argentina, and more. Each featured cocktail earns a passport stamp, and completed passports can be turned in for a chance to win a luxury Fairmont Dallas experience.

Whether you're following every match or simply looking for a fun downtown outing, it's another way Dallas is embracing visitors and celebrating the global energy that's filling the city this summer.

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: NANA CLAUS AND THE THANK-YOU NOTES (NANA CLAUS, #2) by Kelly Reddin

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:00:00 Z

Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes

Nana Claus, #2

Kelly Reddin

Illustrated by Aiman Sohail 07/02/26

A fun but important teaching tool about expressing gratitude with a simple note.

Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes is the second book in author Kelly Reddins delightful Nana Claus childrens picture book series that both entertains and educates. In this story, Nana Claus helps her young visitors Liam, Juanita, Akira, and Caleb learn to write thank-you notes to express gratitude for kindnesses from others, a topic their teacher presented at school that day.

With emailing, talking, and texting as the most common ways to communicate, it is rare to see handwritten letters or notes in the mail anymore. Not only does the sender have to gather writing materials to prepare the letter, but once the letter is complete, they must buy postage and perhaps even take it to the post office to send it on its journey to its recipient. Then, of course, there is the wait for it to be received and read, with a response hopefully coming even later.

However, it is this very added effort that makes the thank-you note and the recipient feel extra special. I loved Nanas discussion of this and appreciated how she gave the children simple prompts for what the thank-you notes can contain. Havent we all been stuck at one time or another about what actually to say in one?

The colorful, realistic illustrations by Aiman Sohail were full of detail and really enhanced this helpful tale. This storybook would have been a helpful treasure to have when my boys were growing up, and I know they would have loved Nana Claus, who looks exactly as I pictured her in a modern home setting.

I recommend NANA CLAUS AND THE THANK-YOU NOTES to readers with young children who are learning to write and to anyone older needing a helpful hint or friendly refresher on writing notes of gratitude.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

Luxury Living Goes Beyond the Apartment at The Links on PGA Parkway

Culver Public Relations — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:05:08 Z

A great apartment is about more than the space itself. The little conveniences and experiences built into everyday life can make all the difference.

At The Links on PGA Parkway, residents have access to amenities designed to simplify busy schedules and support wellness. From professional pet walking services and apartment cleaning to complimentary yoga and golf lessons, these offerings help make day-to-day living a little easier.

Located in Frisco, the community also provides easy access to nearby golf courses, dining, shopping, and entertainment, making it a convenient place to enjoy everything the area has to offer.

Thoughtful amenities like these are helping redefine what apartment living looks like by focusing on comfort, convenience, and quality of life.

North Texans Can Help Support Folds of Honor North Texas This Summer

Culver Public Relations — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:47:50 Z

A simple family meal can make a meaningful difference this summer.

From June 29 through July 26, participating Bojangles restaurants are supporting military families, veterans, and first responders through a fundraising campaign benefiting Folds of Honor North Texas. For every Big Bo Box sold, $1 will be donated to help provide educational scholarships for the spouses and children of those who have served our country and communities.

As the cost of college and vocational education continues to rise, these scholarships help open doors for families while honoring the sacrifices made by their loved ones.

Whether you're picking up dinner for the family or grabbing a meal on the go, your order can help support a student's future. The limited-time Big Bo Box includes Bojangles favorites like hand-breaded chicken, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, Southern fixin's, and Legendary Iced Tea®, and is available in restaurant, through the drive-thru, on the Bojangles app, and via participating delivery services.

If you're planning a Bojangles run this month, it's an easy way to enjoy a meal while helping invest in the next generation of military and first responder families.

Dîner en Blanc Returns to Dallas on September 19 for an Evening of Elegance and Community

Vicky Riley — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:41:58 Z

Dîner en Blanc, the iconic Parisborn popup picnic known for its allwhite dress code and secret locations, returns to Dallas on Saturday, September 19 at 6 PM. Thousands of guests will gather for one of the citys most visually stunning traditions, creating a magical evening of dining, music, and community under the open sky.

The event follows the global tradition that began in Paris more than 30 years ago: guests dress headtotoe in white, bring their own elegant table settings, and arrive at a location revealed only hours before the event begins. The result is a breathtaking scene filled with candlelight, creativity, and celebration.

Attendees will enjoy an evening of curated picnics, live entertainment, and the signature sparkler moment that has become a hallmark of Dîner en Blanc events worldwide. The night concludes with dancing and photo opportunities that make this one of the most photographed events of the year.

Registration opens in phases, beginning with returning members and followed by new guests who join the waiting list. Those interested in attending can sign up at www.dinerenblanc.com to receive updates and registration access.

Dîner en Blanc Dallas continues to be one of the citys most anticipated cultural gatherings a night where elegance, creativity, and community come together in the most unexpected place.

For more information or to join the waiting list, visit www.dinerenblanc.com.

EMPOWER Promotes Keshaun Vinson to Vice President of Permanency

Culver Public Relations — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:17:40 Z

EMPOWER has promoted Keshaun Vinson to Vice President of Permanency, recognizing her more than 20 years of experience in child welfare and behavioral health.

As a child welfare collaborative led by Texas Family Initiative, EMPOWER serves children and families across the Metroplex East region, overseeing foster care, case management, kinship and reunification services. In her new role, Vinson will lead permanency efforts for youth in Permanent Managing Conservatorship (PMC) and extended care, with a focus on helping children achieve safe, stable and permanent homes.

Prior to her promotion, Vinson served as EMPOWER's Permanency Director and has held leadership roles with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and other community-based organizations.

To learn more about EMPOWER and how you can support children in foster care, visit 3EMPOWER.org.

BOOK REVIEW: PICTURE-PERFECT BOYFRIEND by Becky Dean

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 11:34:13 Z

Picture-Perfect Boyfriend

Becky Dean

Fun and flirty with an inspirational message to be yourself and pursue your dream, not the one someone else plans for you.

Picture-Perfect Boyfriend is the latest contemporary young adult novel by author Becky Dean, and it is as fun as it is supportive of its theme to be true to oneself. I enjoyed this story, with its fine mix of romance, comedy, mystery, and inspiration, so much that I was smiling the entire time I turned its pages.

High school senior Mackenzie "Kenzie" Reed is an engaging and relatable main character on spring break with her family on the beautiful island of Maui. She's spent the entire final school year conforming to her parents' ideal vision of how she should live her life. Kenzie wants to pursue photography, but her mother and father don't believe it is a viable career goal and want her to join them in their family optometry business. Worn down by their years of criticism of her differences and the trivialization of her aspirations and talent, she had decided to do things their way. Happily, the story heads elsewhere.

The premise of the made-up boyfriend materializing in person hooked me the moment I read the blurb, and the story did not disappoint. Jacob/Jake, himself presenting two faces, was fun, flirty, and an enigma for much of the book. I laughed over the Eddie Haskell vibes I got from his interaction with Kenzie's family members and was relieved to discover he wasn't the "Stepford" boyfriend. The mystery of his identity and how he came to be on the island was brilliant.

The Maui setting was the perfect place to release Kenzie's repressed desires and personality. The descriptions of the lush surroundings and the inclusion of so many interesting places to visit on the island will have readers wanting to book their own visit.

With its engaging characters and fun and brilliantly executed premise, I recommend PICTURE-PERFECT BOYFRIEND to readers of contemporary young adult fiction, especially those who like an island setting, family drama, and romance.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: ESSENTIALS OF MURDER (AROMATHERAPY APOTHECARY MYSTERY, #1) by Kim Davis

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 10:27:49 Z

Essentials of Murder

Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery, #1

Kim Davis

The story wastes no time getting to the murder, and from there, it's constant action.

Essentials of Murder is the first book in author Kim Davis's Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery series, and the cozy craft-themed story features essential oils, reflexology, and a curvy, prodigal hometown daughter. With engaging characters and a small Southern California town that never met a rumor it didn't want to spread, I enjoyed the story from start to finish.

Main character Carissa Carmichael grew up in Oak Creek Valley, but left for San Francisco the day after high school graduation, never looking back until trouble came knocking almost ten years later. The daughter of the local chief of police, she returned home after being used in an illegal kick-back scheme by her wealthy boyfriend, who is now serving time in prison for his misdeeds. Trained in the use of essential oils and reflexology, she's days from the grand opening of her Aromatherapy Apothecary Shop in the touristy downtown when she discovers the body of the next-door shop owner's obnoxious son in her back room and immediately becomes suspect number one in his death.

The story wastes no time getting to the murder, and from there, it's constant action. The police detective in charge of the investigation has a hidden agenda and immediately latches onto Carissa as the main suspect. This fuels Carissa's need to solve the case and clear her name herself. The author deftly develops the small town of Oak Creek Valley from scratch as readers follow Carissa through her investigation, upsetting the status quo and angering many along the way. The suspects are many, as the victim was obnoxious, vindictive, and not well-liked. Even his mother had reasons to want him out of the picture. Clues are sprinkled throughout the narrative for clever armchair detectives to find, but I only developed a few strong suspicions myself. The story was entertaining, well-plotted, and fast-paced, and includes a touch of romance.

I recommend ESSENTIALS OF MURDER to cozy mystery lovers looking for a delightful protagonist, an interesting essential oil theme, or an amazing rumor mill setting.

For this and more reviews, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

BOOK REVIEW: FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME by Kimberly Packard

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 21:33:29 Z

Feels Like the First Time

Kimberly Packard

An emotionally devastating breakup sends an aimless college junior 30 years into her future.

Feels Like the First Time is a warm and witty womens fiction novel by veteran author Kimberly Packard in which an emotionally immature young woman is suddenly thrust into her own life 30 years in the future. Its the Spring semester of 1996, and after a heated public argument with her father about her aimless college performance, Emily Murray runs to her musician boyfriends place to discover he and his band are packing up and heading for L.A., where a possible recording contract awaits. However, while she thought she would be part of that move, he did not and planned to slip away without an explanation. Devastated, she returns to her shared apartment, and in an emotionally impulsive act, shaves off all of her hair and blacks out. But rather than awakening to follicular mayhem, Emily comes to in a strange bed, with a gorgeous older man singing in the shower. Shes 30 years older, and its 2026.

Emily Murray is such a great character; I was in her corner from start to finish. Shes a fun, free-spirited girl with a sassy wit and a love for live music and her lead-singer boyfriend, Wick. Unfortunately, Wick is all about Wick, seeing Emily as only an accouterment to his current self-image as a struggling Austin, Texas, musician on his way to the top. He has no problem leaving her behind to pursue his big break in L.A. Emily, however, has had an emotionally undernourished childhood, the result of her suddenly single mother being thrust unprepared into the role of breadwinner when her marriage to Emilys emotionally and physically distant father breaks up. But when she awakens in 2026, she finds herself engaged to Dr. Craig Harrison, the complete opposite of the men in her earlier life. Hes understanding, supportive, and only has eyes for her and her wellbeing. Their chemistry is palpable, even as she initially thinks hes the product of her dreaming. But once she realizes shes living in her own future, she begins to back away from this warm-hearted man, who in reality is a total stranger. As she falls for him, she worries shes an imposter in her own life, living a lie, and she cant do that to this good man.

There are several pivotal supporting characters in Emilys life, in both timelines. There is the mysterious Astrid, the psychic Emily consults on a whim after her blow-up with her father, and who is still in business in her future. While Emily repeatedly returns to Astrid to beg for help getting back to her life in 1996, Astrid is actually a source of wisdom and good advice when Emily is considering her options and contemplating some suspect choices. There are also Emilys lifelong friends, Josie and Sofia, and her loyal and wise assistant in her therapy practice, Monique. The story really celebrates the power and value of strong, supportive female friendships. In the end, Emily, who has grown into a gifted therapist, must learn some personal lessons of her own before she can live the life she was meant to live.

I recommend FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME to readers of womens fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

BOOK REVIEW: ALIVE BY PROXY (PROXY LEGAL THRILLERS, #3) by Manning Wolfe

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 21:30:35 Z

Alive by Proxy

Proxy Legal Thrillers, #3

Manning Wolfe

Quinton Bell defends a pro football player accused of murdering his agent.

Alive by Proxy is the third book in veteran author Manning Wolfe's riveting Proxy Legal Thriller series, and the suspense in this one is killer! Houston Wildcatter lineman, Marcus Hale, accused of murdering his agent one dark and stormy night, proclaims his innocence and retains Quinton Bell to defend him. But Quinton's past is just about to catch up with him, as someone who knows his true identity leaves him taunting notes and souvenirs, which soon escalate to more deadly hints. Quinton must decide whether to stay the course and do what he can for his famous client or cut and run for his life once again.

In this latest case, Byron Douglas has settled into his new persona as Quinton Bell, the identity and life of an old friend who died, and has built a thriving law practice with an eminently competent and dependable staff and loyal colleagues. He's moved into his work-in-progress fixer-upper home in Houston and regularly visits the Bell family home in Galveston, but he still feels like he's being watched. He's not wrong. With his anxiety pinging off the ceiling, he manages a thorough trial prep while convincing his client to come clean about the awful secrets he's keeping.

The descriptions of Houston are vivid and transport the reader to the humid, sauna-like city that is the largest in Texas. Quinton's trips to Galveston and, later, through north Texas to the casino across the Red River paint a picture of the state's size and the region's diversity. The long nighttime drive from Oklahoma south back to Houston captured the reality of the journey and the feelings of remote isolation and empty darkness.

The plot covers the defense's careful investigation of the murder before trial and the suspense of the courtroom proceedings. The author underscores the role of the defense attorney, regardless of the client's guilt or innocence. The appearances by the individual who is watching Quinton are creepy and full of tension. He so easily becomes invisible, able to quickly and quietly melt away out of sight. The author does a wonderful job building suspense throughout the story, and the scenes with the watcher had me on the edge of my seat.

I recommend ALIVE BY PROXY to readers of legal mysteries, thrillers, and courtroom dramas.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.