The Redemption File by Marc Sinibaldi Book Review

About the Book:

Detective Brandon Sidney is one of the most accomplished detectives in East Hill City, a thriving metropolis with its fair share of crime. Living in the wake of a personal tragedy, Sidney is dealt another emotional hardship when his partner and best friend, Derek Hill, is murdered. When evidence surfaces that shows Derek was on the take, Sidney must maneuver through an underworld of weapon smugglers, drug dealers, mob bosses, and rival cops to try and solve Derek's murder and clear his partner's tarnished name. If Sidney survives long enough to solve the case, it will push him to the edge of his own moral limitations, and force him to confront his own traumatic past.

My Review:

This is a pretty good police procedure mystery, especially for a debut effort. The plot works well with an opening hook and intriguing revelations as the story unfolds. There is the typical combination of police action and personal story. There is a good deal of suspense throughout the novel. Issues addressed include human trafficking and police corruption.

Sinibaldi's writing style is to have some action then a great deal of background information or description. Paragraphs of it. I started skimming those passages as I felt they did not move the plot forward. The information could have been better spread out in smaller amounts, interspersed in the action. I think about fifty pages could have been cut from the novel without losing anything essential. Since this is a debut novel, I think that problem will be addressed in future books.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Marc Sinibaldi was born in the Boston area and grew up on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Being an avid reader for most of his life, he started writing a personal blog in 2013 that focused on some of his favorite topics, such as sports and pop culture. When he doesn’t have his nose in a book, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, catching a movie, and rooting for his favorite Boston sports teams. 

Marc graduated from Boston University and received his master’s degree in professional writing from New England College. The Redemption File is his first novel. You can find out more at https://marcsinibaldi.com/ 

Glendale Publishing, 388 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Swell Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Wild Instinct by T Jefferson Parker Book Review

About the Book:

The hunt for the truth is the deadliest game.

Former Marine sniper Lew Gale, now a detective with the Orange County California Sheriff’s Department, is assigned to track and shoot a mountain lion that has killed a man in the rugged country east of Laguna Beach, California. The victim is Bennet Tarlow, a rich developer and man-about-town in upscale coastal Orange County.

The investigation takes a chilling turn when Lew and his new partner, Daniela Mendez, discover that Bennet was dead long before the lion got to him. And while he might have been the first to die, he certainly will not be the last.

My Review:

This is an okay police procedural. I was put off originally with the mountain lion hunting theme but then it turned into more of a traditional police procedural. I did like learning about the indigenous people of the area although the narrative did seem to get sidetracked from the actual police work. That gave the book a different focus than the usual murder mystery.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

T. Jefferson Parker is the bestselling author of 28 crime novels, including Edgar Award-winners "Silent Joe" and "California Girl." Parker's latest work, "The Rescue", explores the strength of the human-animal bond and how far we will go to protect what we love.

Parker was born in L.A. and grew up in Southern California. He studied English at UC Irvine and worked as a newspaper reporter for five years while writing his first book, "Laguna Heat" on evenings and weekends. HBO made "Laguna Heat" into one of its first original television movies in 1987.

Parker lives in north San Diego County, and enjoys fishing, hiking and just about anything outdoors.

Minotaur, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Plants of the Pacific Coast: From Alaska to Oregon Book Review

About the Book:

This long-awaited successor to the bestselling Plants of Coastal British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest features over 700 trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, horsetails and lycopods, of the north Pacific coast of North America.

The region, stretching from southeast Alaska to northwest Oregon, is characterized by humid forests, imposing mountains, muscular rivers, serene and stormy seas, and myriad islands, beaches, wetlands, and meadows.

Authors Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon, field botanists and forest ecologists with 50 years of experience in the region, are joined for this brand-new, fully updated field guide by two younger colleagues: ethnobotanist Styawat/Leigh Joseph, of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, and plant taxonomist Jamie Fenneman.

This user-friendly book focuses on the vascular plants--their identification, description, ecology, ethnobotany--of the coastal ecosystems of northwest North America. It describes the plants of the region's temperate rainforests, dry-belt lowland forests, cool subalpine forests, and non-forested habitats from tidewater to alpine, including some common introduced species. The species descriptions are packed with colour photos, range maps, and illustrations. This comprehensive guide includes up-to-date taxonomy, keys, hundreds of colour photos, ethnobotanical essays, and engaging notes. It will appeal to anyone interested in the region's rich and diverse plant life.

My Review:

I am an outdoor person living on an island in the Salish Sea and I found this book fascinating. I love all the photos and the maps identifying the places where each plant is found. There is a useful key at the beginning of each section to help find the appropriate plant description. There are great leaf structure diagrams too. Included in descriptions are warnings for poisonous plants as well as how to distinguish the particular plant from similar looking ones.

I spent hours going through the photos, seeing so many plants I remember from my hikes and wanderings. There was the Stinging Nettle, a plant I remember so well from encounters in my childhood. I like the additional information, such as dandelion is from the French dent-de-lion, or lion's tooth, for the leaf lobes. (350) A surprise for me was that a common weed I see so often in my own yard turned out to be Hairy Cat's Ear!

This is a very useful book for anyone who spends time outdoors in the Pacific Northwest coastal areas. You'll be introduced to vegetation from coastline to forest, from trees to common weeds.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

This book will not be released until June, 2026

Canadian Science Books, 536 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Journey With A Giant by Lori G Melton Book Review

About the Book:

So many of us want to go deeper in our faith. We long for a clearer sense of God’s calling in our lives, but knowing where to start can be more than half the battle. What if we could learn from a trusted guide who’s already walked the path? If you’re in leadership, what would you give to shadow someone like Queen Elizabeth II? Or if you’re an artist, what would you give to spend a year with Madeleine L’Engle or Michelangelo? What if you’re longing for courage and you could take notes from George Washington or Harriet Tubman? How might God shape you through the example of faithful believers and strengthen you to become who He created you to be?

Journey with a Giant introduces the transformative practice of walking with a spiritual giant. Based on the “cloud of witnesses” described in Hebrews 12 and illustrated through the author’s experience walking with Mister Fred Rogers—America’s favorite neighbor—spiritual director Lori Melton guides readers on a one-year adventure that offers a unique approach to spiritual formation.

This structured yet flexible guide includes:
• weekly reflections
• testimonials from fellow pilgrims
• monthly instructions and tasks
• prompts for recording your focus, goals, resources, and insights
• guided prayer to end each month
• reflection questions
• journaling space

Whether you choose to learn from Mister Rogers or select your own spiritual mentor, this journey will help you cultivate a closer relationship with God, uncover new insights about yourself, and take meaningful steps toward pursuing God’s unique calling for you.

My Review:

This book is an intriguing and different approach to reading for spiritual transformation. It would be of interest to those who want to know more about people of faith over the centuries and would like to learn from their examples. Melton helps readers pick an individual and then explains how to journey, gleaning information from material written about them and by them.

This is an involved process and I have only read about the why and how. The work itself takes a year so it will be interesting to see how it progresses. This is a good book for Christians who want a new way of spiritual formation.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Lori G. Melton is an author, spiritual director, retreat leader, and a member of Hope*Writers. She and her husband, Bryan, are the creators of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast and the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center, which serves hundreds of people a year. When she’s not writing, speaking, or welcoming guests, she enjoys spending time with her six children and three grandchildren. She and her husband live in Allegan, Michigan. You can find out more at https://www.lorigmelton.com

WaterBrook, 272 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Small-Town Independence by Carolyn Oravitz Blog Tour Book Review

 

About the Book

Book: Small-Town Independence

Author: Carolyn Oravitz

Genre: Christian Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 1, 2025

In the charming New England seaside town of Independence, Amanda Gibson came to start over—not fall in love.

Still healing from a painful breakup, Amanda’s only plans involve reopening her late Aunt Helen’s quaint beachside resort and proving to herself she can stand on her own. But Independence has other ideas—starting with Clark Miller, her once-boyish crush turned unexpectedly irresistible local hero.

Clark’s easy smile and steady kindness threaten the careful walls Amanda has built, just as a string of unsettling incidents suggests someone wants her new life—and her business dreams—to fall apart. As Clark offers his help, Amanda must decide whether she’s ready to trust again—not just in romance, but in God’s greater plan.

When secrets from the past begin to surface and danger creeps closer, Amanda will have to face more than just her fears. She’ll have to fight for the truth, the resort, and a second chance at love she never expected.

A heartwarming blend of romance, mystery, and faith, Small-Town Independence is perfect for readers who love clean Christian love stories with a touch of suspense, coastal charm, and hope that endures.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is a fun Christian romantic suspense. There is a mystery that is woven through the plot as Amanda tries to understand all the facts about the resort she and her siblings have inherited. Something is wrong with the financial aspect of the resort and Amanda is determined to find out what it is. There is a possible romantic spark as an old acquaintance shows up to support her.

Oravitz has written a sweet romance adding obstacles and misunderstandings to the adventure. The plot was not hard to predict. There is a really good faith message included with a little exploration of why bad things happen. It is an enjoyable novel.

My rating: 4/5 stars. 

 

About the Author

Carolyn Oravitz is a writer, speaker, and cancer survivor who brings heart and hope to the stories she writes. Holding teaching certificates in English and Art, she enjoyed years inspiring creativity in the classroom. Her past writing included literature guides for elementary and middle school students and writing feature articles for a local publication.

In addition to her love of writing and art, she loves hiking, taking part in events at her church, and spending time with her friends and family.

Her other published works include: Yet Will I Hope in Him and What If It Is, two heartfelt reflections on surviving cancer, Write for Publication – Twenty Lessons to Improve Your Writing, which she and others have used as a textbook for writing classes and workshops, and Small Town – Independence, a suspenseful contemporary Christian romance novel. She is presently working on a historical novel blending her passion for the past with her gift of vivid storytelling.

More from Carolyn

I was inspired to write this story after a visit to Bar Harbor, Maine. I loved exploring the rocky coast and hiking trails, and I was fascinated by the mix of grand Victorian mansions and charming cottages. The view from the summit was unforgettable—we caught an incredible sunrise there and even joined an outdoor church service. The whole experience left me both refreshed and inspired, and it became the spark behind this story.

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, December 10 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 11

Simple Harvest Reads, December 12 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, December 13

Guild Master, December 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Fiction Book Lover, December 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 17

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 18 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, December 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 19

A Reader’s Brain, December 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 22 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, December 23

For Him and My Family, December 23

Giveaway

T0 celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

 

https://promosimple.com/ps/3edbf/small-town-independence-celebration-tour-giveaway

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Strong Floor, No Ceiling by Oliver B Libby Book Review

About the Book:

A Bold Plan to Rebuild the American Dream—for Everyone

We’re not just divided—we’re adrift. Strong Floor, No Ceiling presents a bold, radically moderate blueprint to reconnect our fractured country and restore belief in opportunity, fairness, and shared progress.

Entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and public policy thinker Oliver B. Libby delivers a hopeful yet pragmatic path forward that blends innovation with tradition, growth with equity, and compassion with common sense. If you’re weary of the extremes and the noise and looking for a future grounded in real solutions, this book is your rallying point.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• A new “Strong Floor” approach to healthcare, education, and infrastructure
• How capital markets and innovation can coexist with social safety nets
• A powerful call for civic renewal and shared national
• Strategies to restore trust in institutions and elections
• A practical framework for bipartisan progress
• The launch of a Strong Floor/No Ceiling organization to support candidates who will lead on these principles

We should have a strong floor—made of access to education, healthcare, homes, jobs, capital, and justice—that all our citizens can stand atop. But we cannot afford this without celebrating success, entrepreneurship, and innovation—there should be no ceiling to our aspirations. These ideas may seem like they come from the opposite ends of the political spectrum, but they are fundamentally linked into the engine of the American Dream itself.

If you believe in fairness, freedom, and a future worth fighting for, now is the time to act.

 

My Review:

This book is full of good ideas but how can they be implemented? Government, business and nonprofits all need to work together and how will that possibly happen?

Libby notes that only 27% believe the American Dream is still a possibility. I understand. He has a plan but I guess I am a pessimist when it comes to books like this one. Great ideas but how can it be implemented? Yes, equal opportunity for work, healthcare, etc. is a lofty plan. Just get this book in the hands of every government official and billionaire entrepreneur and make them read it? Then somehow encourage them to actually do what Libby suggests?

 

About the Author:

Oliver B. Libby is a civic entrepreneur, businessowner, investor, philanthropist, and policy advocate. He is the co-founder of H/L Ventures and The Resolution Project, helping values-driven leaders build a better future. Libby lives in New York City with his family and believes deeply in the promise of the American Dream.

Advantage Media Group, 344 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

A Beautiful Year by Diana Butler Bass Book Review

About the Book:

A Beautiful Year: 52 Meditations on Faith, Wisdom, and Perseverance offers an essay for every week in the seasons of the Christian year: From Advent and Christmas to Lent and Easter through the entire calendar.

Other than its major holidays, many people are not familiar with the rhythms of the church year, an ancient spiritual cycle of time. Yet all religions have such calendars ― and they shape our understanding of faith. In the West, we live in tension with the secular calendar (mostly an inheritance from the Roman Empire) and the Christian liturgical calendar, a cycle of sacred stories that compose a larger narrative of love, hospitality, mercy, justice, and gratitude. Bass reclaims and presents fresh perspectives for every biblical text in the church year; from musing on A Wrinkle in Time in Advent, to remembering her father’s old-fashioned blue Christmas decorations, and offering a revolutionary reading of the Last Supper.

With fresh insights on familiar stories, these essays surprise and inspire, challenge and comfort, and will be savored year after year. Beautifully designed, the book is also a perfect gift.

My Review:

I did not grow up in a church that recognized the liturgical year and was happy to read this informative book. Bass encourages readers to pay more attention to the liturgical year than the calendar one.

I was a little surprised at the beginning where she soundly criticizes the current US president and the concept of Christian nationalism. She reminds readers about living under Roman rule as opposed to living under God's rule. Her essays are thought provoking on many levels and are realistic meditations for living today. It is a good book for Christians who would like to live in the rhythm of the church year instead of the traditional calendar one.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Diana Butler Bass is an award-winning author, popular speaker, inspiring preacher, and one of America’s most trusted commentators on religion and contemporary spirituality, especially where faith intersects with politics and culture.

She holds a doctorate in religious studies from Duke University. Her bylines include The New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN.com, Atlantic.com, USA Today, Huffington Post, Christian Century, and Sojourners. She has commented in the media widely including on CBS, CNN, PBS, NPR, CBC, FOX, Sirius XM, TIME, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Mother Jones, and in multiple global news outlets. In the 1990s, she wrote a weekly column on religion and culture for the Santa Barbara News-Press, which was distributed nationally by the New York Times Syndicate.

St Martin's Essentials, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

A Place of Quiet Rest by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth Book Review

About the Book:

The God of the universe created us for a loving relationship with Him. We long for that sweet intimacy with God, but it often seems so out of reach. Yet even in the busyness of daily life, we hear those whispers calling us, drawing us to the feet of Jesus.

Best-selling author Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth demystifies the process of coming to know God intimately. For over 20 years A Place of Quiet Rest has spoken to readers, helping them to a deeper relationship with Christ. In A Place of Quiet Rest Nancy shares from her heart and life how a daily devotional time can forever change your life.

This Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth classic will encourage generations to come to find that place of quiet rest.

My Review:

Some books still have the same great impact 25 years later as the day they were released. Wolgemuth's book is one. She helps readers understand the essential nature of a quiet time with God, how to do it by developing the habit, and the fruitful results.

I am impressed that this is not a checklist kind of book or a book offering a five point outline for creating the quiet time, Rather, Wolgemuth emphasizes actually drawing close to God, really communicating and sharing, developing a relationship. I am glad she reminds us the practice is not an obligation but an opportunity. She does offer some principles for maintaining a devotional life but the context is relationship, not check list. And the result is true communion with God.

I highly recommend this book to a new generation of Christians. Each one will benefit from the wisdom in this book.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth has touched the lives of millions of women through two nationally syndicated teaching programs heard each day—Revive Our Hearts and Seeking Him. Her books have sold more than five million copies. Through her writing, podcasts, and events, Nancy is reaching the hearts of women around the world, calling them to freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ.

Moody Publishers, 296 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)