“Life Sentence” by Amy Bell is a true story about the search for two missing police officers, and how her father lost himself defending the men who took and killed them.

I found this book quite enjoyable, and it was another book for me that once I started it, I wanted to read it all in one day. I forced myself to split it up a bit so I didn’t fly through it too quickly, and with the book not being crazy long it worked out quite nicely. One big thing I enjoyed about this book is the it was written as a true crime book, but also as a memoir and local history book. The author blends together fact with emotion very well, and combining that with the styles it was written in makes for a very compelling story.

This story also does a very good job of showing just how much her father taking on this case affected many people. His family was torn apart, and he had very strained relationships. I appreciated that the book wasn’t just strictly the crime, it also looked at the blemishes in the justice system.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes true crime and local history. Though Amy’s father ‘lost’ the case there are really no winners, and it is a very unfortunate story.

Book: Maple Sugar Pie
Author: Susan White
Published by Acorn Press

Maple Sugar Pie is a book that I will continue to think about! It follows our main character Hazel Whitford and her family’s past as we see the events that led to her family being divided and how she fixes it again. This book is told to use in black and white pictures which I really loved!

Personally, I really connected to this book because I understand that life isn’t always fair and I strongly believe that this book further illustrates that statement.

I really appreciated the pictures which added an extra interesting layer to the book!

Overall, I really liked this book and would love to read it again for the first time if I could!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

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"How to Kidnap a Mermaid" by Andy Tolson is a fun and imaginative fantasy novel about adventure, friendship, and courage. The story follows Tiny Wilde, a twelve-year-old giant who struggles to live up to his father’s heroic reputation. When his mermaid friend Nalia asks for his help on an important quest, Tiny sets out on a dangerous journey to restore magic to the world of mythical creatures. Along the way, Tiny and his companions encounter magical beings such as pixies, witches, and dragons. The adventure is full of challenges that test Tiny’s bravery and determination. Throughout the story, he begins to realize that being a hero is not just about strength, but also about loyalty, kindness, and perseverance.

One of the strengths of "How to Kidnap a Mermaid" is its creative world and humorous tone. The character development and the fast-paced plot keeps the reader engaged. Overall, it is an enjoyable fantasy novel that encourages readers to believe in themselves and the power of friendship.