Author: Michael Balkind
Publisher: Pero Thrillers
Genre: Mystery / Sports
ISBN: 1-56315-453-6
Pages: 218
Price: $14.95

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Reid Clark is once again caught in the middle of an investigation, but this time his partner and good friend, Bob Thomas, is dead. He calls in Jay Scott and his team, knowing these guys are the best, and they’ll be sure to find Bob’s killer.

As CFO of AllSport, the non-profit training facility for underprivileged athletes, Bob needed to keep an eye on an accounting department that processes a high volume of donations. But Bob recently had a fight with the auditors who monitor things, and a few other suspects come to light. Dead Ball takes place two years after the events of Sudden Death, and Reid thinks that maybe someone from his past wants to get to him by killing Bob.

Jay’s investigation sends his men into some dangerous places, but they manage to come out alive. And finally, at the end, the killer is brought to justice. The action is fast-paced, as they follow leads, but some of the scenarios felt false, and I wondered if gangs or the mafia would act as Balkind suggests. And while the final clue pointed directly to the killer, I also found it unlikely that a non-profit facility would take the measures needed for such a clue to come to light.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: T.K. Reed
Publisher: iUniverse
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1-4401-2751-9
Pages: 166
Price: $11.95

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Mathew and Sue are playing in the forest when a strange man approaches. When he begs them to come with him to help save the Great Wolf, Quasar, they are quick to agree. Now they have only twenty-four hours to collect the things he needs to break an evil spell.

Accompanied by Sir Wilfred, the man from the forest, the children visit magical places and solve puzzles to retrieve the necessary items. But they have no idea what form of chaos the breaking of the spell might bring.

Mathew and Sue are kind children, willing to help out a being in need. But I never felt a real kinship with them, since their personalities were not fully revealed. They seemed to solve the riddles a little too easily, going quickly from one puzzle to the next.

I would have preferred a little more information early on about Mathew and Sue’s family life. Although the author jumps right into the plot, I would have understood their mother’s absence a little better had this been explained earlier in the story. I also found the presence of the “revolutionaries” confusing.

Troll-speak and the various creatures they encounter give Quasar and the Eye of the Serpent a magical feel, as does the glowing orb that becomes an important part of their quest. But a little more character development would enhance this fantasy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Juliette Saumande
Illustrator: Eric Puybaret
Publisher: Hammond
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0841-671416
Pages: 34
Price: $14.99

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In the land of Prudence, people are never unhappy. Rather than risk something bad happening, they simply never try anything new. But Alexander still isn’t happy. When the magical bird, Paradiso, tells him about a Land of Happiness, Alexander immediately follows after him.

Over the next year, Alexander explores places he’s never dreamed about. Places where he can have good and bad sweets, where all his wishes are answered, and where he can play and get bruised and meet lots of interesting new people. Alexander is finally living a complete life.

But one thing is missing. Alexander wishes his grandfather was with him, and he sends him lots of postcards about his adventures. He hopes maybe someday Grandpa will accompany him on his visit to the Land of Happiness.

What child can resist the lure of happiness, when everything seems so hum-drum? But all adventures lose their appeal when we realize the important people in our lives haven’t come along with us.

Alexander’s magical journey comes alive in oversize scenes by award-winning artist, Eric Puybaret. In Search of Happiness will bring joy to all who read it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Paul Fredrics
Publisher: Matador
Genre: Science Fiction
ISBN: 978-1906510-374
Pages: 344
Price: £13.99 (import)

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Forty years ago, an Anilar expedition to the Blue Planet (Earth) failed. Had this been any ordinary mission, fourteen year-old JoJo would never have given it a second thought. But one of the men on the spaceship was her grandfather, and she is now being denied her dream of becoming a SpaceCoyote because of him.

Jimmy Green’s rock band, Applejuice, was destined for greatness, until their lead singer unexpectedly moved out of the country. Now Jimmy is forced to endure Apple Valley’s spoiled darling’s attempts to sing, while his band grimaces in pain.

JoJo convinces her little brother 2B to come with her on a clandestine visit to the Blue Planet, but suddenly finds her ship crash-landed on its surface. All she wants to do is get home, and Jimmy’s band may well be the answer to her problem. But Jimmy may have more answers than either of them could ever expect.

JoJo’s spunk and determination to try to clear her grandfather’s name are admirable. Whether it’s hacking into top secret computer databases, stealing a spaceship, or fighting off evil grommets and CoyoteBots, nothing will stop her from succeeding at her mission. And Jimmy’s extraordinarily compassionate and helpful nature finally prove to JoJo that Earth isn’t the evil place she’s been led to believe it is.

SpaceCoyotes and the Secret of the Blue Planet is a fast-moving adventure through time and space. In a situation where nothing is as it seems, it’s hard to tell the good guys from the bad. I highly recommend this enjoyable science fiction story.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jane Collins-Philippe
Illustrator: Laura Beingessner
Publisher: Tundra Books
Genre: Children / Poetry
ISBN: 978-0-88776-842-2
Pages: 32
Price: $15.95

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The lure of the sea calls to young and old with its many tales of adventure. In Sail Away With Me, Jane Collins-Philippe has collected many of our favorite poems about the sea, as well as creating some new ones of her own.

Timeless classics like “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod,” “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean,” and “The Owl and the Pussycat” are featured. And kids will also enjoy new poems like “The Good Ship Royal” about a ship with a crew of animals, and “Mary Goes to Sea” about a woman determined to find a space on a crowded boat.

Illustrations by Laura Beingessner enhance these poems, bringing to mind delightful summer afternoons and evenings by the shore. Whether you’re a landlubber or an old salt, you’re sure to enjoy this book of sea poetry.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: LeAura Alderson & Jill Coleman, MS, ACSM, CPT
Publisher: MTF Publishing
Genre: Fitness
ISBN: 978-0-9821822-1-5
Pages: 80
Price: $50.00

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Choosing and following a workout program can be confusing and overwhelming, especially to those who are new to fitness. But hiring a personal trainer can be expensive. LeAura Alderson and Jill Coleman have come up with an alternative, in their My Gym Trainer program. Consisting of three levels, these guided workouts provide several months of training programs, tailored to beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

These books are set up in a three-ring binder, with sturdy laminated pages, each providing a full workout. The binder is arranged in four week sections, with six workouts per week. Each week you’ll work out the upper body, the lower body, and the core twice, in addition to a cardio workout every day.

I received the beginner level workout program and began instituting it in my own gym. I liked the portability of the cards, since they’re meant to be removed from the binder and carried with you. But I found that the photos of the exercises were very small, and I wasn’t always sure what I was supposed to be doing. This program assumes that you’re very familiar with both your gym and the exercises themselves, and I would have liked to see a section just for explanations of the exercises.

I also found that the cardio program was much too difficult for a beginner. On day four, the treadmill intervals involved running, and I’m not sure how many beginners would want to advance much beyond a brisk walk at this stage.

If you’re not that new to fitness and you’re looking for a change of pace in your workout, or you’ve simply been away from the gym too long and want to get back, this program will help structure your program for you. But if you’re a total novice to working out, you may find it doesn’t adequately address your needs.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Michael Balkind
Publisher: Pero Thrillers
Genre: Mystery / Sports
ISBN: 978-1563154041
Pages: 224
Price: $14.95

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Reid Clark, golf pro, has just received a threat on his life. When his agent, Buck Green, suggests he hire Jay Scott to investigate, Reid readily agrees. If he wins the Masters, he’s fine, but the next time he wins, he’s going to die. Jay brings in his best men, determined to protect Reid from harm.

In the midst of this investigation, Reid wants to win the Masters. He has issues with anger over the press invading his turf, and a new lady in his life complicates things further. And a huge endorsement contract with a leading manufacturer of golf balls is an added incentive to win. But if winning will cost him his life, is it really worth it?

As an avid sports fan and mystery lover, I looked forward to reading Sudden Death, but I was a little disappointed. The investigation, for the most part, is only a very small part of the story, and takes place behind the scenes. Most of the plot development revolves around Reid’s experiences on the golf course and his interactions with family and business. I also expected this to be more of a thriller with a lot more action and danger, but it was a fairly straight-forward story, with only a hint of the threat Reid faced.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Joy Cowley
Illustrator: Annie Hayward
Publisher: Hameray Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-60559-219-0
Pages: 16
Price: $4.95

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Dan has lost his flying hat. Where could it possibly be? The answer will surprise Dan, and also the man who has lost his cat! But how will they get the cat and the hat back? Dan is clever, and he outsmarts the cat. Now everyone is happy.

Rhyming verse is used to tell this amusing tale, and bright and cheerful illustrations by Annie Hayward bring it to life.

Since this book was written especially for teachers, a guide for classroom use is located in the back. Features include vocabulary, the use of rhyme, questions about the story itself, and ideas to spark the imagination. Dan’s Lost Hat is a sure hit in the classroom, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Caridad Pineiro
Publisher: Hachette Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-54383-5
Pages: 336
Price: $6.99

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A brain tumor has already claimed Caterina Shaw’s sight, and it’s only a matter of time before it will claim her life. So when she’s offered the opportunity of an experimental gene therapy that may save both, she jumps at the chance. But she doesn’t count on the costs.

After one of the doctors at the facility she’s treated at is brutally murdered, Caterina finds herself on the lam as the primary suspect in his death. And Mick Carrera, hired to find her, is hot on her trail. But Mick has his doubts as to whether the beautiful cellist could have committed such a murder.

Mick quickly finds out there are others who are after her, and they’d prefer she be brought in dead rather than alive. He and his sister battle the forces at work in Caterina’s body, along with some deadly enemies, while Mick fights the growing attraction he has for Caterina.

Although very vulnerable while she copes with her body’s strange changes, Caterina won’t let Mick fight her enemies on his own. And Mick expects others to see only his dark side, but his family can easily see through him when he does all he can to take care of them and Caterina.

Sins of the Flesh is a fascinating read, as Caridad Pineiro explores the effects of scientific experimentation with a human body. Mick and Caterina are strong characters, both searching for true love they haven’t been able to find, and the attraction between them sizzles. And the ending reveals new questions that can only be answered in the sequel. I highly recommend this book for all who love a good romance combined with a little science.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Jo Ann Hernández of Latino Book Tours http://latinobooktours.com organizes Book Tours for authors of all genres (including YA with teen bloggers). If you are interested in having a tour or being a blog host, contact her at JoAnn@latinobooktours.com. Enjoy the rest of the tour!

Mon Jan 11: BronzeWord Latino Authors
Tues Jan 12: Julia Amante
Wed. Jan 13th: Latino Books Examiner
Thurs Jan 14th: Babbling About Books and More
Friday Jan 15th: Heidenkind
Mon Jan 18: Una in a Million
Tues Jan 19: Pagan Spirits
Wed Jan 20: Bergers Book Reviews
Thurs Jan 21: Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
Fri Jan 22: Chasing Heroes

Author: Rona Arato
Publisher: Tundra Books
Genre: Kids
ISBN: 978-0-88776-967-2
Pages: 192
Price: $9.95

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Moshe Kapustin has no idea he’s just traded his family’s firewood for a pet dragon, when he receives the mysterious egg from the peddler. But when the dragon, Snigger, saves them from the Cossacks and allows them to leave Russia for a new life in America, the family decides he will have to come with them. So they depart for New York on a quest to find their father, who has already arrived in America five years earlier.

A mistake at Ellis Island changes the family name to Kaputnik, and life becomes challenging as they adjust to life in New York. In 1898, immigrants faced hardship and struggle in their new country, but when you also have a dragon, things get even more complicated. Somehow, just as in Russia, Snigger seems to have a knack for making things better.

Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium is a light-hearted story of a Russian Jewish immigrant family to New York. Shoshi and Moshe want to help their mother be successful in their new country, but they also struggle with what they left behind. Living in America is so different from Russia and at times they miss their old country.

Many kids today have no idea what their immigrant ancestors faced when they came to the United States. Although this novel doesn’t paint the dire situations many had to deal with, it doesn’t show life as all rosy either. In a fun and humorous way, Rona Arato has shown us life at the turn of the last century, and given us a glimpse into our own history books. I highly recommend this delightful story.

Reviewer: Alice Berger