Jurrasic Jemma & the Trail of Evil: A blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is the final installment in this series by John J. Delaney, and having had the pleasure of reading all three books, I can confidently say it’s a fitting conclusion. This one picks up with Jemma Thorne—a fossil hunter, mother, grandmother, and wife—eager to settle into a peaceful life in the seaside town of Lulcombe, England, alongside her husband and young son. Her grown daughter, Ellie, and granddaughter live next door. All seems set for a quiet, happy life, but peace is quickly disrupted when Jemma becomes the target of a vengeful plot.

BookHookup Review: Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil

Delaney excels at creating relatable, well-developed characters that feel like family, each adding depth to the story and enriching the relationships, motivations, and drama. The female antagonist stands out as particularly memorable—someone you love to hate—adding an exciting layer of tension to the plot.

The pacing is spot-on, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Delaney offers neatly packaged clues throughout, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends and leaves you with a sense of fulfillment.

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is a delightful blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling, making it a must-read for fans of the mystery-suspense genre. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire series to fully appreciate the depth and richness of Jemma's journey. A solid 5-star recommendation from me.

Victorian Intrigue and Romance: A Review of The Lorimer Line

The Lorimer Line by Anne Melville is a captivating saga set in the intricacies of Victorian England. From the very first page, the narrator’s voice transports you to 1877, immersing you in the gilded yet confining world of Margaret Lorimer. The third-person omniscient perspective enriches the narrative, allowing glimpses of Margaret's aspirations and the societal pressures that loom over her, highlighting the complex interplay of personal desire and rigid conventions. Her journey of self-discovery and defiance against societal expectations is both inspiring and relatable.

About the Book: The Lormier Line

Margaret’s intelligent and ambitious nature shines through as she seeks independence in a world that wants to dictate her choices. The narrator’s insightful observations echo the moral undertones of the era, providing a deeper understanding of her struggles. Her love story with a humble Scot adds a touch of warmth and hope, making her challenges all the more poignant. The tension created by her father’s hidden secrets and the family’s precarious situation keeps the plot compelling, and I found myself turning pages eagerly to see how it would unfold.

BookHookup review: The Lorimer Line

Anne Melville masterfully balances the pain and joy of the characters’ lives, crafting a narrative that is as rich in emotional depth as it is in historical detail. The book beautifully captures the era's essence while exploring timeless themes of ambition, love, and resilience. The omniscient narrator skillfully navigates the characters' inner thoughts, reminiscent of the March sisters in Little Women—embodying strong themes of female ambition, family dynamics, and societal expectations. Just as the March sisters navigate their desires and challenges within the confines of their time, Margaret Lorimer seeks independence and fulfillment against Victorian norms.

The Lorimer Line is a must-read if you’re looking for a story filled with family intrigue, romance, and a strong female lead. I can’t wait for the next installment in this enthralling series! I’m happy to give it 5 stars.

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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free copy of this book from Book Bub and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

Beautifully illustrated motavational book for dancers 12 and up

Ballerina Wisdom for Dance and Life is a short motivational book filled with creative inspiration and stunning illustrations. The illustrations paint a charming backdrop depicting the beauty and graceful expression of dance while the practical advice offers encouragement to help pre-professional dancers (ages 12 and up) to develop faithfulness and self-dedication in the face of the rigorous hard work required to reach their dreams and realize their passion with confidence and joy.

Book Review: Ballerina Wisdom for Dance

I’m happy to give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend Ballerina Wisdom for Dance and Life as a gift for dance students, as well as those who have practiced their craft for years and could use a motivational pick-me-up to rekindle their zeal and renew their devotion with a reminder to stay the course even when feeling overwhelmed or spent as they put on their dance shoes to perform this graceful expressive art form.

 

About the author: Once Upon a Dance

Ballerina Wisdom for Dance and Life is brought to you by the mother-daughter duo, Once Upon a Dance, named a Top 10 Author (2022) by Outstanding Creator Awards and honored with over 50 book awards and a Kirkus Star. They donate all royalties to charities through 2030. Teacher Terrel grew up dancing, and she taught dance for decades. Ballerina K is living her dreams as a professional ballerina.

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As BookHookup I received a free review copy of this book from Blackberry Book Tours but was not compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.