The Wizard’s Daughter

Author: Victoria Graydale
Publisher: Stargazer Press
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 0-9734940-7-7
Pages: 188
Price: $15.00

Buy it at Amazon

A botched kidnapping leaves Adrian Gray with the wrong woman, and a price on his head. He has kidnapped Lady Milburga’s companion, Phaedra, rather than the lady herself. Forced to flee from his dastardly employer, he reluctantly falls in with Phaedra’s plan to bring Milburga to see the wizard – the man Phaedra suspects is her father.

As they spend time together in close quarters, Adrian and Phaedra find themselves attracted to each other. But Adrian has been burned by love before, and won’t let Phaedra have the opportunity to inflict any more pain. Phaedra’s sharp tongue is a source of misery for them both.

Danger awaits them on their journey as evil closes in on them at every turn, and an unexpected traveler turns into a most welcome guest. But when they reach the wizard, they find he knows exactly how to handle their situation, for the best of all concerned.

Delightfully warm and human, these characters are endearing in their frailties and foibles. Fantasy blended with romance and humor, The Wizard’s Daughter is a cheerful, lighthearted and uplifting romance.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

The DreamStarter Book

Author: Jennifer Karin Sidford
Publisher: Cold Tree Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-58385-266-8
Pages: 80
Price: $12.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Children delight in using their imaginations, but seem to spend more and more time watching television and playing video games. One of the ways you can coax them away from pre-programmed entertainment is by using The DreamStarter Book.

This book is a collection of 50 story beginnings, designed to spark curiosity. Each story starter has a protagonist or two and a unique situation, like an open doorway to someplace mysterious, or a curious object. Once the setting is established, children are given the opportunity to take this story wherever they’d like, using their own imagination.

These story starters can be used as a replacement for the traditional bedtime story, letting the child participate in its creation. Or it could be used in a classroom setting, on long car trips, and around a campfire or the dinner table.

Using the imagination stretches the child’s ability to solve problems in other areas, since it gives them the flexibility to explore unseen options. Since this book can be used in a group setting, it also gives children a way to interact with each other in a healthy and productive manner.

The DreamStarter Book would be a wonderful addition to any child’s library.  A fun way for them to be creative, it encourages them to tap into their natural quest for adventure.  And although the author didn’t intend it as such, it’s also a great way for writers to stretch their imaginations – especially those who write for children. The story starters may not lead directly to publishable works, but they might spark some great new ideas.

Reviewer: Alice Berger