The Rent Collector: Adapted For Young Readers By Camron Wright-Book Review

 

Book Details

The Rent Collector: Adapted for Young Readers from the BestSelling Novel by Camron Wright

 Publication Date: 4/5/22 

Hardcover ISBN: 9781629729855 

Retail Price: $17.99 

Page Count: 288 

Juvenile Fiction Cover illustration: Brandon Dorman Book design: © Shadow Mountain 

Art Direction: Richard Erickson Design: Sheryl Dickert Smith

***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

Based on true events. Sang Ly lives at Cambodia's city dump and is grateful she can help earn a living for her family by sifting through the trash for recyclables and things which can be repaired and sold. On a good day, she can earn enough to buy food for her family. She needs enough good days so she can pay the rent collector, Sopeap--a grumpy old woman who shows no mercy and who is willing to evict any tenant who can't pay their rent on time.

When Sang Ly is unable to pay her rent for the month, she fears her family will have to leave the dump and their shanty home--a place where her only possessions can be carried in two hands. Little does she know that a discarded children's book found among the mounds of trash would save her. When Sopeap sees the book lying on Sang Ly's cardboard bed, her mood changes. Sang Ly offers her the book if she is allowed to keep her family at the dump.

An unlikely friendship develops between the two women, and Sang Ly learns that Sopeap knows how to read--something Sang Ly has always wanted to learn. Being able to read could transform Sang Ly's world beyond the predictable confines of the dump and lead to a future with possibilities and hope. But the rent collector has a secret and tragic past, one that will not be easy for Sang Ly to navigate. With the help of her supportive husband, Ki Lim, and a helpful and humorous boy, Lucky Fat, Sang Ly embarks on a life-changing journey to give her young son, Nisay, a better life and future.
 
The Rent Collector is about the power of literacy, the influence of the past, and finding hope, resiliency, and empowerment in the face of seemingly endless hardship.

My Review

This was a beautiful adaptation of the original novel of The Rent Collector. The well-known story has been adapted for young readers. It still carries a strong message about literacy being important, having hope in desperate situations, and being braver than you think you are. I feel that this novel will open the eyes of young readers to how all people don't live in nice homes and all parents don't have great jobs that provide for their families. The struggles of life in the garbage dump are big for Sang Ly, her husband, and her infant son. The reality of their lives is shocking for adults so you know it will be eye-opening for teenagers. 

I feel that The Rent Collector: Adapted For Young Readers should become a must-read for teens in school. This book has become a classic that will inspire people for generations to come.

***Meet Author Camron Wright***

CAMRON WRIGHT holds a master’s degree in writing and public relations. He has written several best-selling books, including Letters for Emily, The Other Side of the Bridge, and The Orphan Keeper. The Rent Collector is a critically acclaimed novel that is a book club favorite and is frequently selected as a community-wide reading program title. Camron lives with his wife Alicyn, in Utah. They are the parents of four children. 

For discussion questions and other resources, visit authorcamronwright.com 

For author interview requests, please contact Callie Hansen at chansen@shadowmountain.com

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For The Rent Collector

An Unfamiliar Duke: (Georgian Gentlemen Book 4) By Sian Ann Bessey-Book Review and Enter the Book Giveaway

 

Product Details

    Title: An Unfamiliar Duke

    Author: Sian Ann Bessey

    Series: Georgian Gentlemen Book 4

    Genre: Georgian Romance

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications (May 16, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524419915

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

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Book Summary

At eleven years of age, Rosalind Ainsworth was convinced that Sebastian Lumley, the future Duke of Kelbrook, was the most odious young man she’d ever met. And ten years later, after having had no contact with the nobleman in the intervening time, her opinion of him has not changed. Unfortunately, neither has the marriage contract their fathers signed soon after her birth.

As Rosalind’s twenty-first birthday and the appointed wedding day approaches, Sebastian makes a rare appearance in London. His first meeting with Rosalind since childhood goes less than perfectly, but Sebastian has a compelling reason for honoring their marriage contract—a reason outlined in a document kept behind his workshop’s locked door.

After a quick wedding, the new couple relocates to Finley Park, where their acquaintanceship slowly blossoms into affection. But when Sebastian’s secretive work threatens their fledgling relationship and Rosalind’s life is placed in jeopardy, Sebastian finds himself forced to choose between the man he has pledged to help and the woman he has come to love.

My Review

An Unfamiliar Duke is the fourth book in the Georgian Gentlemen Series. The main characters in this book are probably some of the most effortless characters to like from the beginning. Even though Rosalind and Sebastian have to marry because of a long-ago written marriage contract, they still have so much respect for each other. There isn't a lot of angst between them that usually is there in an arranged marriage story. They still have a period of adjustment as they get to know one another again since their childhood acquaintance.

I love how this story is an easy read that flows so beautifully. This sweet romance shows how love grows with small daily interactions. A side story contributes to Rosalind and Sebastian's relationship growing, but it also brings in some angst and discord. One thing I loved most about Rosalind is how intelligent she is and loving to do mathematics and calculations. This is a true bond between her and Sebastian as he is also very smart and loves math and inventing. One thing I love about Sian Ann's books is that you learn a lot about historical events wrapped within the pages of a clean and endearing romance. I appreciate an author that puts effort into writing events historically accurate.

An Unfamiliar Duke can be read as a stand-alone but do yourself a favor and read the other books in this wonderful Georgian Gentlemen Series.

****Meet Author Sian Ann Bessey****

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English. She began her writing career as a student, publishing several articles in the New Era magazine while still in college. Since then, she has written for the New Era, Ensign, and Liahona magazines, and has published historical romance novels, romantic suspense novels, and a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today bestselling author & a Whitney Award finalist. Sian also won a Forward INDIES award for 'The Gem Thief'.  Go visit Sian Ann on her Facebook page HERE.

Learn more about Sian Ann and her books HERE: www.sianannbessey.com

Purchase An Unfamiliar Duke

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Cover Reveal for Shield and Blade (A Fate of Eyrinthia Novella) by Heather Frost!

 Cover Reveal Time for...

 

Shield & Blade: A Fate of Eyrinthia Novella (Fate of Eyrinthia #3.5)

 

Genre:

YA Fantasy Romance

 

Release Date:

July 14, 2022

Isn't it Beautiful?
 

 

Official Blurb:

 

His to protect

When Vera broke Venn’s heart, he was shattered. When she was abducted by mercenaries, he vowed to tear Mortise apart to find her. Now, reunited, he is determined to keep her safe–and win back her heart. Of course, things are never that simple.

 

Hers to defend

Vera has regretted hurting Venn ever since that fateful night in Wexon, but finding the right time to tell him is proving difficult. Traveling with him to Duvan should give her the perfect opportunity, but things take an unexpected turn when they find young children abandoned near a roadside.

 

Theirs to save

Helping the children isn’t in question, but the detour leads Venn and Vera into the heart of a sinister mystery. The truth they fight to uncover could change everything in Eyrinthia–and may cost them their lives.

 

 

Links:

Shield & Blade Preorder Link (Kindle):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V51ZCVN?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

 

Add on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60781337-shield-blade

 

 

Series Info:

 

Learn more about the Fate of Eyrinthia series by checking out Royal Decoy (Fate of Eyrinthia #1)

 

 

Royal Decoy Blurb:

 

Clare made a mistake when she saved the princess’s life . . .

 

In one horrible night, Clare is forced to give up her life as a kitchen maid to become the princess’s decoy. Thrust into a dangerous new world of royals and deadly politics, she must learn how to be the princess’s perfect double to ensure her betrothal to an enemy prince. Desperate to survive, Clare throws herself into self-defense training, taught by her distractingly attractive bodyguard, Bennick. The spark between them is undeniable, though a relationship is forbidden. When a ruthless assassin begins stalking her, it becomes frighteningly clear that some will stop at nothing to end the tenuous peace—and Clare’s life.

 

Across the northern mountains, Prince Grayson is his father’s ultimate weapon. His name inspires fear in all who hear it, but no one knows his heavily guarded secret. He carries out every brutal order only because his father holds power over the one person he cares about. Grayson’s silent obedience is tested, however, when his father reveals plans to exploit the marriage alliance between two of their greatest enemies. If Grayson submits, the blood of thousands will spill. If he resists, the girl who means everything to him will die.

 

The fate of Eyrinthia hangs in the balance. Some want peace. Some want war. All will be thrown into chaos.

 

Royal Decoy is the first in the Fate of Eyrinthia YA fantasy romance series told from multiple POVs. If you like swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and non-stop action with epic twists, then you’ll love the captivating world of Eyrinthia.

 

 

Royal Decoy Links:

 

Kindle:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085299HQN

 

Add Royal Decoy on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51585276-royal-decoy

 

Add Royal Decoy on Bookbub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-frost

 

 

Author Info:

 

Author Bio

Heather Frost is a #1 Amazon Bestselling YA author who loves epic stories with breath-stealing romance. She is the author of the Seers trilogy and the Fate of Eyrinthia series. Her books have been Whitney Award Finalists and Swoony Award Finalists. She has a BS in Creative Writing and a minor in Folklore, which means she got to read fairy tales and call it homework. When she’s not writing, Heather likes to read, travel, and re-watch Lord of the Rings. She lives in a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains in northern Utah. To learn more about Heather and her books, visit her website: www.HeatherFrost.com

 

 

Heather’s Social Media Links

 

Website:

www.HeatherFrost.com

 

Facebook:

@AuthorHeatherFrost

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeatherFrost

 

Instagram:

Heather.Frost.Author

https://www.instagram.com/heather.frost.author/

 

Twitter:

@HeatherFrost

https://twitter.com/HeatherFrost

 

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4983261.Heather_Frost

 

Book Bub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-frost

Join Heather’s Mailing List:

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Red Cicada:A Suspense Novel By Gregg Luke-A Suspense Novel Book Review and Giveaway for a Copy of the book!

 

Product Details

     Title: Red cicada

    Author: Gregg Luke

    Genre: Suspense

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications (May 1, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524418641

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

Twenty-eight-year-old Lana Baker knows the signs: the intense flashes of light and building pressure in her head herald yet another migraine. But this time, the unavoidable pain lands her in the hospital, where her unusual past raises more questions than answers. Her medical history is a complete mystery. Stranger still, her battery of tests reveals a shocking secret: Lana has a metal disk embedded in her skull―but she has no idea how it got there. Even more disturbing is the fact that the disk is etched with words―in Russian.

Lieutenant Lance Kipling has been tracking down information on a former marine he believes may have had ties to Cold War biological weapons. So when that man’s daughter turns up in a hospital with a metal disk in her skull, it does not go unnoticed. But Lance has competition for the information stored in Lana’s head―dangerous individuals with Soviet ties. 

Together, Lance and Lana follow a trail of clues her father left, bits of information that reveal Lana’s past and paint a deadly picture of a weapon that has the potential to wreak havoc on the planet’s entire population.

My Review

How can an ordinary day turn into a nightmare? The main character Lana Baker can answer this question because that's what happened to her. One minute she has a migraine and the next she finds herself in a hospital with a doctor wanting to take a chip out of her head. Lana has no idea where the chip came from and so many things in her life don't make sense now. Throw in Lance Kipling a Lieutenant investigating a cold case, a kidnapping, and ruthless Russian spies that want Lana dead, and the reader is hooked.

This thriller keeps you reading and wanting to know more...right now! It is fun piecing all of the clues together to find out about the chip and Lana's past. There were some surprises that surfaced and things my mind made up that really didn't happen. Haha! I read too many suspense books I guess. One thing I do know is that Gregg Luke always comes through to give you a crazy, thrilling ride that'll keep you reading. Check this book out and his other suspense books. They all are very good!  

***Meet Author Gregg Luke***

Gregg Luke is a practicing pharmacist. He received his medical training at the University of Utah. He has been writing since he could put pen to paper. He enjoys medical thrillers and is one of the first to work this genre into the LDS market.

Purchase Red Cicada HERE:

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The Legend of The Dream Giants By Dustin Hansen-Middle Grade Fantasy Book Review

 

Product Details

The Legend of the Dream Giants by Dustin Hansen Publication 

Date: 3/8/22 Hardcover 

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy

ISBN: 9781629729862 

Retail Price: $18.99 

Page Count: 240 Middle-Grade Fantasy 

Book design and cover illustrations: Dustin Hansen 

***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

An orphaned giant named Berg is hoping to find just one person he can call friend. For many years, Berg has lived alone; the only reminders of his family are his mother’s satchel and his recurring dreams of a white bear who shares a magical sand from a fallen star. Sometimes, when Berg feels lonely, he will risk entering a village to trade a smooth river rock or a feather for food. He’s really searching for kindness and companionship; but with every attempt he makes, people chase him away, thinking he is Ünhold—a giant and a monster.

In his travels, Berg comes upon a city made of iron, where he meets a little girl, Anya. To his amazement and delight, Anya knows about the magical dream sand, too, and says she wants to be his friend. The mayor also befriends Berg and enlists him to guard the city from the dangerous Ünhold. But Anya suspects the mayor has other plans for the young giant. Fearing the city isn’t safe, she warns Berg to flee. Confused and torn between his two friends, the young giant has to figure out where he can place his trust. This tender and unique story-within-a-story is a riveting tale of loss, longing, adventure, being yourself, and finding the true meaning of friendship. 

My Review

The Legend of the Dream Giants has a main character that I wanted to reach out to hug and keep him safe. Berg is a young, orphaned giant who is looking for a friend and wants to be loved and accepted. Sadly, he is shunned and is run off wherever he goes, even though he always leaves shiny colored rocks in exchange for food. This beautifully written story also has wonderful graphic-novel style illustrations that show Berg's nightly dreams and thoughts and feelings. The illustrations in this novel were one of my favorite things as they told Berg's life story using the forms of bears and wolves.

This novel explores many things such as grief, friendship, acceptance, trust, bullying, hate, and love. It shows Berg's quest to find at least one friend. In his innocence, he doesn't recognize real kindness versus someone taking advantage of him. This all broke my heart to see Berg so sad and suffering. The shining moments in the book came from the human girl, Anya, who truly was his friend. Also, the old giant named Unhold, proved to be something other than what the stories told about him. There were many surprises with this side character that unfolded throughout the book.

This book is touted to be a Middle-Grade novel but I suggest this book would be better for kids older than twelve because of the subject matters of death, grief, and violence against Berg. The Legend of The Dream Giants will make great conversation between parents and children as the book is read together as a family.

****3.5-4 Stars****

***Meet Author & Illustrator Dustin Hansen***

DUSTIN HANSEN, an international award-winning video game developer, has been creating story and art for the children’s entertainment world for decades. He has also worked in theme parks, and as the Innovation Director for Hasbro, Inc. He is the author of the Microsaurs series, a graphic novel, My Video Game Ate My Homework, and a nonfiction bestseller, Game On! Video Game History from Pont and Pac-Man to Mario, Minecraft and More. As a dyslexic writer, Dustin’s drive to combine visuals with the written word has been a thread throughout his career.

For author interview requests, please contact Callie Hansen at chansen@shadowmountain.com

Purchase The Legend of the Dream Giants

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Praise for The Legend of the Dream Giants

"Berg come(s) to terms with the coexistence of humankind’s darkness and sweetness and the age-old truth that things are not always what they seem. Hansen has created a compelling world that gives the feel of an old-fashioned fairy tale coupled with beautiful, black-and-white illustrations that contain echoes of the art nouveau era. These depictions of bears and wolves tell the story of Berg’s dreams, representing the quiet power of giants and the vicious persistence of humans. This artwork is stunning and heavy with emotion. Berg’s friendship with Anya is heartwarming and heartbreaking, as is his relationship to Ünhold. Hansen’s lilting writing has the feel of an epic poem, a tale of growing wise and of learning how to both hold on and let go. A moving and evocative must-read." —Kirkus, starred review

"A young giant finds both friendship and duplicity in The Legend of the Dream Giants, a beautifully illustrated novel by Dustin Hansen. Whimsical and poetic, the book’s descriptions of natural settings evince grace and originality. Its metaphors and similes are drawn from Berg’s experiences growing up in the wild. Berg’s dreams involve a mother bear and her cub, along with other animals. The dreams are depicted in wonderful, wordless grayscale drawings; they serve as a compelling, independent story within the story, and their relevance to Berg becomes clear as the book progresses. Berg himself is a sympathetic, misunderstood underdog who, despite his size, is very much an innocent. Elegant throughout, The Legend of the Dream Giants is a touching, memorable tale about trust, betrayal, and love." —Foreword Reviews, starred review