Staff & Reader Submitted

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: LET'S HIDE FROM MOM by Parimalasri Docktor

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 22:29:35 Z

Lets Hide From Mom

Parimalasri Docktor

Children will relate to the vividly illustrated and simple story.

Lets Hide From Mom is the fun sequel to author Parimalasri Docktors childrens book Tortoise Goes to the Vet. It features Radha, an Indian Star Tortoise who, like many young children, doesnt want to go to bed at her established time. Along with her tortoise companion, Krishna, she scrambles to hide from Mom when she comes to put them to bed.

Radha is a precocious little tortoise who knows all the best hiding places. She also tries to coach Krishna in finding the perfect spot. Small children will love hearing about how they escape detection, maybe seeing themselves in Radhas desire to stay up past bedtime.

The author also illustrates the story and uses bright colors in her often intricately detailed scenes. Her style gives readers plenty to look at and discover on each page. At the end of the book, there is an entertaining section devoted to finding specific items hidden in plain sight, such as birds, butterflies, and insects. That bumblebee is a tricky one!

I recommend LETS HIDE FROM MOM to young readers and adults for reading aloud.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: FIRE AN RAIN (RAIN MYSTERY, #3) by David Homick

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 22:15:22 Z

Fire and Rain

Rain Mystery Trilogy, #3

David Homick

This final entry blazes across the pages with riveting, non-stop action and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

When Jenn's secret former husband, Finn Rafferty, showed up on the ranch house doorstep and announced they were still legally married, Dillon Bishop put his plan to propose on hold until things got figured out. Although Jenn swore the marriage had been annulled, Finn claimed there was no record to prove it had ever actually been filed in court, and he wanted HIS HALF of Jenn's ranch!

Finn was a conman, and his arrival at the ranch coincided with the appearance of Riverdale Gaming in the nearby town of Redfield, with money in hand and hoping to buy up numerous sections of land to open up a large-scale casino operation. Some local property owners took the offers and sold out, but many didn't, and soon word of more aggressive persuasion began to filter into the sheriff's department, where Dillon now worked part-time as a deputy. Unfortunately, Jenn's ranch was right in the middle of the area Riverdale Gaming proposed to build the casino, and she was most definitely not interested. She was so close to fulfilling her promise to her Uncle Roy to open an equine therapy center. However, rumors that the casino people were urging the town to consider eminent domain to help them acquire the needed properties had started circulating.

Finn refused to back off on his demand for half of the ranch and threatened to go to the authorities and nullify Jenn's adoption of her son, Alex. With his family at risk, Dillon starts investigating Finn's connections to the casino project and the rash of suspicious accidents on the properties of owners who refused to sell to Riverdale Gaming. He breaks into Finn's room at the local motel to search for evidence of his collusion with the casino gang when Finn walks in on him. Later, when Finn is found dead from a gunshot wound, Dillon becomes the number one suspect.

Fire and Rain is the final book in author David Homick's excellent suspense series, the Rain Mystery Trilogy. This group of books has been so good that I was reluctant to start this final entry and have it end, but read it I did, and it was full of the same action, intrigue, and breathtaking suspense that made the previous books some of my favorites of the year. Dillon Bishop is a great character and has grown and healed so much since his first appearance on the page. He's overcome the debilitating effects of PTSD and the nightmares that had plagued him since his tour in Afghanistan. As a result, he's become much more stable and reliable. He's just a good man. While he's still somewhat impulsive in his investigations, his unpredictability makes for exciting reading and a sense that anything could happen next.

One plot thread concerns the universal interest of property owners and community members in general. What do you do when an undesirable business comes into town and wants to be your neighbor? It's one thing if the company talks your neighbors into selling them their property, but what about the holdouts? What if the business can convince the local government to compel the holdouts to sell through eminent domain?

In this story, the business (a casino) is aggressive in its land acquisition and PR campaign, selling the community and the town council on the economic benefits the town stands to gain from the business opening there. But strange accidents (fires) and other occurrences (damaged equipment, fences, and animals gone astray) suspected of being the handiwork of Riverdale Gaming henchmen, specifically Finn Rafferty, bring in a sinister level of danger that Dillon and Sheriff Ziggy Scott must unravel. Add in an attempt on Jenn's life, a couple of murders, and kidnapping, and what could have been just an ugly and tragic real estate caper blazes across the pages with riveting, non-stop action and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

I recommend FIRE AND RAIN and the entire RAIN MYSTERY TRILOGY to mystery readers who enjoy lots of action and excitement featuring an imperfect, flawed hero but a hero, nonetheless.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

BOOK REVIEW: RAIN DANCE (RAIN MYSTERY, #2) by David Homick

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 22:11:50 Z

Rain Dance

Rain Mystery Trilogy, #2

David Homick

Another stellar entry in the Rain Mystery Trilogy!

After solving the mysteries of his missing younger brother and his father's murder, Dillon Bishop and his mother left Bradley, Texas, in their rearview mirror for the Red Valley Ranch in Redfield, Colorado. The ranch is home to the woman Dillon thinks may be "the one," Jenn Myles, and for him, home is where the heart is.

Their arrival surprised and pleased Jenn, but Dillon also had a shock waiting. The young boy he'd saved from the rubble of an Afghani village was there. Jenn had gotten close to the child while overseas and had gotten him into the country. She was in the middle of arrangements to adopt Alex. But that wasn't all. Jenn had inherited the ranch equally with her cousin, Seth McDonald, and Seth made it clear he thought Dillon, his mother, and Alex didn't belong there.

Not to be run off from the woman he loved, Dillon pitched in on the ranch, ready to do whatever it took to fit in. But as the days passed, little things about Uncle Roy's final days and death failed to add up. And when secret deals that Seth made behind Jenn's back with a large, commercial marijuana-growing conglomerate come to light, something Roy had wanted nothing to do with, Dillon starts to dig into the truth behind Roy's death. It quickly becomes clear that someone doesn't like it.

Rain Dance is the second book in author David Homick's exciting Rain Mystery Trilogy, and it is another riveting page-turner of a story. This go-round, Dillon Bishop and Jenn Myles investigate the final days before her Uncle Roy's death and have a number of possible culprits for a murder that's been covered up as natural causes. Each suspect muddies the waters by adamantly pointing the finger at another candidate.

Dillon is still showing signs of recovery from the PTSD that had plagued him since Afghanistan: Colorado had been good for him in addition to the Rain Dance tea provided by the shaman, Leota, in book one. His apprehension about becoming a father (adoptive) and formalizing his relationship with Jenn was thoughtful and understandable, and I liked that he was working on both. On the other hand, Jenn still has some secrets to explain, and I will anxiously await the final book in the trilogy for those revelations.

This author's writing style continues to hit all the right notes. The dialogue throughout and Dillon's inner voice are perfect. The plot is intriguing, as Dillon and his pal, Cooper Hill, follow the money and outsmart the bad guys. It's a clever, well-thought-out investigation.

Readers are introduced to Dillon's new stomping grounds of Redfield, Colorado, and the small town brings with it some fresh new supporting characters. Hattie Scott is a quirky and lovable throwback to the 60s, as is Charlie "Buck" Owens. I was midway through the story before the penny dropped and I realized his nickname. (But of course, that's what it would be!) I hope both return in the next book. Alex is a wonderful addition to the family that is forming, and I really liked his storyline. With the inclusion of Alex, the horse rescue setting, and Dillon's inner monologue, I am somewhat reminded of David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series, only grittier and more serious.

With its compelling plot, engaging characters, and bold-as-brass tactics of the bad guys, I was thoroughly absorbed into another stellar mystery by David Homick. I recommend RAIN DANCE to mystery readers who enjoy a solid plot with an intelligent investigation or a Colorado setting that makes you feel like you're right next to the characters.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

BOOK REVIEW: DON'T CURSE THE RAIN (RAIN MYSTERY, #1) by David Homick

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 22:03:27 Z

Don't Curse the Rain

Rain Mystery Trilogy, #1

David Homick

An Afghanistan veteran returns home to face his past and solve a cold-case missing-person case.

Dillon Bishop had fled his hometown of Bradley, Texas, as soon as he could, enlisted in the military, and ended up in Afghanistan. But after rescuing a young local boy when his parents had been killed, his vehicle was hit by an RPG, sending Dillon to the hospital and months of rehab at the V.A. Medical Center back in Dallas. His physical wounds eventually healed, but his struggle with PTSD haunted him every waking moment, and nightmares prevented him from truly resting. He always wondered what had happened to the small boy he'd tried to save.

Helping Dillon work through his continuing trauma was Jenny Lee, a woman he met after his release from the Dallas hospital. They had a comfortable arrangement, though Dillon hesitated to call it a relationship. An uncle had left Jenny a horse ranch outside of Colorado Springs, and she hoped Dillon would accompany her to take possession in the upcoming month. He was almost convinced to do so until the letter arrived.

His father's attorney had mailed the letter weeks earlier to a ten-year-old address, so it took time to reach Dillon's current location. His father had passed away, and the attorney needed Dillon, his only heir, to return to Bradley to settle his father's final affairs.

Dillon had been raised by his father. His mother left him, his younger brother, Luke, and their father when the boys were still small. Years later, however, Luke disappeared without a trace on the night of a high school dance and was never heard from again. Their father had never quit looking for his youngest son, though he believed he'd been the victim of foul play and found relief too often in the bottom of a whiskey bottle. He'd been investigating every possible angle and lead he came across and had recently claimed he'd obtained a definitive piece of evidence proving Luke had been murdered and would crack the case wide open. But suddenly, while recuperating in a local hospital, he took an unexpected turn for the worse and died. Thinking that his father's death following so quickly after his announcement regarding the case was too coincidental, Dillon decides to finally take matters into his own hands and get to the bottom of his brother's disappearance and his father's murder.

Don't Curse the Rain, the first book in author David Homick's Rain Mystery Trilogy, grabbed me from the very first page and never let me go! The main character, Dillon Bishop, has struggled since returning to the States after his service and injuries sustained in Afghanistan. Not only has he suffered wounds to a leg, but the mental trauma continues to buffet his emotional well-being. I liked how the author placed a soulmate in Dillon's path, even though they are still working to take their relationship to the next level. The author kept me on edge with this couple as Dillon hesitates to fully commit to Jenny, while she deals with her frustration with him and pursues her lifelong dream of returning to the Colorado horse ranch.

There are a number of surprises awaiting Dillon back in his hometown: old friends, old enemies, and even a regretful ex-girlfriend who wants to reconcile. Settling his father's affairs proves to be anything but easy. The action begins the minute Dillon hits town, and the mystery isn't entirely resolved until almost the very end. The author's easy-to-read writing style made the pages fly by. The author has an excellent way with dialogue. Exchanges between characters felt much more natural than in other works, and the accompanying gestures and "business" enhanced the quality of their interactions and conversations.

Having lived and worked in the area where the story is set (Cleburne, Alvarado, Keene, and Lake Whitney, to name a few), I enjoyed seeing familiar place names mentioned. The locations were described much as I remember them, so the setting felt genuine.

Besides Dillon working through his PTSD and relationships, the book is ultimately a mystery story about what happened to Luke all those years ago and who killed their father. By teaming up with his old high school buddies and his father's friends, Dillon is sharp and determined in his search for the truth. I enjoyed everything about the plot and this book, and I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy.

I recommend DON'T CURSE THE RAIN to mystery readers who enjoy main characters who are military veterans, relationship stories, or a north central Texas setting.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

BOOK REVIEW: WHEN THE SKIES RAINED FREEDOM by Annette Oppenlander

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:15:34 Z

When the Skies Rained Freedom

Annette Oppenlander

Suspense-filled historical drama featuring life during the Berlin airlifts.

When the Skies Rained Freedom is a thrilling work of historical fiction by award-winning author Annette Oppenlander and one of the most absorbing stories I've ever read. I was hooked from the very beginning. While many recent books have featured Germany in WWII, Oppenlander sets her highly immersive tale in Berlin immediately after Germany's surrender, highlighting the danger, depravity, and the Allies' efforts to keep the remaining parts of the city out of Stalin's hands.

The main character, Lotte Berger, is only 19 or 20 years old when the fighting ceases, and the continued survival of her and her mother lands squarely on her shoulders after her mother is attacked in the Soviet-occupied section of Berlin. She's a strong young woman, having just come through the continual bombing of her hometown by Allied planes. Still, the aftermath of partitioning Berlin into sectors controlled by the victorious countries brought new terrors and hardships. Only through the kindness of strangers like Meg and Tilly can she and her mother eke out a minimal existence. Lieutenant Mitch Cameron is also tender-hearted and kind, quietly offering assistance with no strings attached, unlike some of his fellow pilots. Both Lotte and Mitch are conflicted characters. Are they still enemies, or what? They want to pursue their attraction while their previous relationships are on hold because of the war.

The author does an amazing job placing the reader in the story with genuine characters and clearly depicted events and locations. The characters feel like real people, speaking authentic dialogue fitting the circumstances. Descriptions of bombed-out Berlin are so vivid I could almost feel the gritty desolation and the bitter winter cold, with not enough wood or coal. The introduction tells the reader that much of what follows is based on eyewitness accounts. Yet the wealth of detail suggests the author did extensive research.

The Berlin airlifts were always relegated to a mere footnote in my American history classes, so the story's focus on this monumental mission was informative and awe-inspiring. Reading about this time period and what these people endured was riveting and horrifying. I thank the author for shedding light on these events.

With its genuine personalities, authentic dialogue and experiences, I recommend WHEN THE SKIES RAINED FREEDOM to readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in post-WWII Germany and the advent of the Cold War.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: SO CLOSE TO HEAVEN by Annette Oppenlander

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 10:24:16 Z

So Close to Heaven

Annette Oppenlander

Riveting historical fiction set in northern Italy during the Napoleonic Wars.

So Close to Heaven is author Annette Oppenlanders fascinating fictional account of Sabiona Abbey and the Benedictine nun who saved it from complete destruction during the approximately 20-year span of the Napoleonic Wars. The abbey, located on a strategic mountainside in the South Tyrol area of northern Italy, was attractive as a highly defensible site for the military on both sides of the conflict and changed hands a couple of times during the fighting. During each takeover, the Benedictine nuns who called the abbey home were threatened or completely displaced, except for one: Sister Magdalena.

Sister Magdalena (and all the nuns who stayed behind at the abbey during the various occupations) was a strong-willed, dedicated woman, as shown by her escapade of dressing as a French soldier to reinstate the Sabiona Abbey as a religious entity. The story has many tense and exciting moments as the women face their French attackers and even their own countrymen bent on taking advantage of the situation for personal gain.

Although not much is known about Mariele Tolds (Sister Magdalena as she was known after joining the order) reasons for initially coming to Sabiona Abbey, the author has created a tragically plausible origin story here. But what starts as an often-heard tale re-enacted thousands of times, a woman seeking asylum to avoid an unwanted arranged marriage, turns out to have a surprise twist. The story becomes one of forgiveness.

The authors writing puts me right in the story with the women of the Benedictine community at Sabiona Abbey, and at just over 200 pages, the book is a perfect one-sitting read. With its engaging heroine and exciting plot based on true events, I recommend SO CLOSE TO HEAVEN to readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially stories with strong female protagonists or set during the Napoleonic Wars in Italy or within a religious community.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: THE MAGDALENE DECEPTION (THE MAGDALENE CHRONICLES, #1) by Gary McAvoy

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:44:55 Z

The Magdalene Deception

Magdalene Chronicles, #1

Gary McAvoy

Secrets, old and even older, threaten the very foundation of the Church.

The Magdalene Deception is the first book of author Gary McAvoys exciting and suspense-filled series, The Magdalene Chronicles, and features a young, connected American priest-scholar assigned to the Vatican Museum, specifically its secret archives, and a young and also connected female journalist working to make a name for herself at Le Monde. Jesuit priest Father Michael Dominic has been at the Vatican for only a few weeks when he stumbles across hidden documents secreted at the bottom of a box disguised as a large book. While one of the documents is a cryptic handwritten set of quatrain verses by Nostradamus himself, the other is a letter from a parish priest in Rennes-le-Chateau, France, notorious in the early 20^th century for his extravagant spending and unknown source of funds, that appears to be dunning the Vatican for unnamed Church services and sounding suspiciously like a blackmail demand.

Michael meets journalist Hana Sinclair, the granddaughter of a Swiss baron and banking mogul who has been an advisor to several popes, through her cousin, a recent acquaintance in the Swiss Guard. She is researching for a controversial series of articles about the involvement of the French government, the Vatican, and the Vatican Bank in taking and keeping the assets of Jews stolen during World War II. Together, as they try to unravel the truth behind the mysterious documents, they uncover an ancient secret that would irreparably harm the very foundation of the Catholic Church, and someone else is determined to stop them.

Michael is the son of a single, unwed mother, a devout Catholic who served as the housekeeper to a now-powerful cardinal when he was a parish priest in New York City. The priest took an interest in the boy, becoming a father figure to him, and later, as his circumstances improved, assisted him in attaining a good education. Michael, although following in his benefactors footsteps on his career path, has done so for the love of scholarship rather than a true spiritual vocation, but he hopes that one day that will change and he will feel the deep religious connection that his colleagues do. As for Hana, she is determined to succeed as a journalist on her own merits rather than on the prestige and privilege of her birth and family connections, but there are backdoor machinations at work that may circumvent her best intentions.

The author gives readers a Vatican City full of intense watchfulness, suspenseful intrigue, and power plays by church leaders at the highest level. It feels like someone is constantly watching and listening, just looking for something they can exploit for their own advantage. As the story progresses, interesting and relevant bits of church history and dirty laundry are presented throughout.

After introducing the main characters and their backstories, the plot quickly takes off. Some secrets must remain secret, and deadly measures are employed to ensure they do. If you are a history buff as well as a reader of mystery, suspense, or thrillers, THE MAGDALENE DECEPTION is for you.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

Back to School Safety: ER Physician Shares Tips to Help Avoid Preventable Injuries

Morgan Roundy — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:00:00 Z

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS As students return to school, they are also heading back to sports and band practices and, for many, riding e-bikes to campus. Emergency physicians at Medical City North Hills are reminding families of safety tips to help prevent injuries and keep kids healthy throughout the school year.

"Back-to-school season brings more activityand more visits to the emergency department for injuries that are often preventable," says Curtis H. Johnson, MD, medical director of emergency services at Medical City North Hills. "As e-bikes have gotten popular, we have seen an increase in associated injuries, making it especially important for parents and students to understand the risks. Whether your child is riding an e-bike or playing sports, taking the right precautions can make all the difference."

This increase reflects a nationwide concern nationwide for e-bike safety. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that the number of e-bike accidents involving children increased more than 300% from 2019 to 2023.

To help reduce the risk of injury, Medical City North Hills medical experts recommend:

Always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding an e-bike, bicycle or scooter.
Obey traffic laws and avoid distractions while riding.
Wear appropriate protective gear for sports.
Warm up and stay hydrated before practice and games.
Never ignore pain or concussion symptoms, seek medical evaluation before returning to play.

Parents can make injury prevention part of their back-to-school routine by checking that helmets fit properly, inspecting sports equipment and talking with their children about safe riding. Taking a few minutes to prepare can help students stay healthy, active and ready to learn.

Learn more about emergency services at Medical City North Hills here.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY NORTH HILLS

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, a full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology, graduate medical education and an internal medicine residency clinic.

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.

BOOK REVIEW: SINISTER REMNANTS (TORI WINTERS MYSTERY, #4) by Anita Dickason

KAREN SIDDALL — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:08:51 Z

Sinister Remnants

Tori Winters Mystery, #4

Anita Dickason

Will a legal challenge to Toris ownership of the Leichter inheritance ruin all her dreams?

Sinister Remnants is the fourth book in author Anita Dickasons charming, yet suspenseful Tori Winters Mystery series set in Granbury, Texas. In the final run up to the grand opening of the Red Door Inn, rumors questioning the validity of Toris ownership of the former Leichter mansion and property begin to circulate and when a Houston attorney approaches David Tucker with cryptic promises that an anonymous client has proof of the claim, Tori begins to wonder if her dream of turning her grandmothers home into an elegant B&B will ever become a reality.

The plot kicks off at a brisk pace with the stunning accusation occurring in the very first chapter, and the tension builds steadily as each new legal maneuver hits and long-held secrets come to light, bringing with them a new danger. In between, readers learn a little more about the family and the past as the complex case unfolds.

Tori and her friends have been through so much renovating the house and getting the historic old home ready to serve as a weekend B&B and weekday meeting center and café, so the rumor that it all may have been for naught hits pretty hard. These are good, kind people with a lot of energy and enthusiasm for Toris dream, and you cant help but want for them to succeed. Conversely, the author has created some new characters who, after only a brief introduction, you know are trouble. For example, attorney Mark Houghton and Metro News reporter Charlotte Polaski are the very pictures of smarm.

Tori, David, and the rest of the Red Door Inn characters have become a family, and having read the previous books, I almost feel as though they were part of mine, so it was no surprise how quickly and completely I was invested in the outcome of the story. However, while this is the fourth Tori Winters book, the author subtly provides enough highlights from the past that readers new to the series can easily read and enjoy this one as a standalone novel. But the earlier books are great fun and really are must-reads in and of themselves.

I recommend SINISTER REMNANTS to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy Texas-set stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: SOLDIERS OF CHRIST (THE NORTHERN CRUSADERS CHRONICLES, #2) by Jon Byrne

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:09:11 Z

Soldiers of Christ

The Northern Crusader Chronicles, #2

Jon Byrne

The riveting story of imprisoned knight-brother Richard Fitz Simon continues as Prince Nevsky seeks peace between his country and the Baltic crusaders.

Soldiers of Christ is the second suspense-filled novel in author Jon Byrnes riveting historical fiction series, The Northern Crusader Chronicles, about a betrayed and dispossessed English lord, Richard Fitz Simon, and his adventures as a knight-brother with the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, fighting in the Baltic Crusades. Severely wounded and captured in a disastrously failed battle against the Russian Prince Alexander Nevsky, he is allowed to pen his memoirs as a memento to be sent to his son, a child begotten during his youth in Lübeck. As his extraordinary tale is revealed, it captures the interest and imagination of the young prince, who eventually draws the recovering Richard into his negotiations for peace between his county and the crusaders from the Latin Church.

The story unfolds in dual timelines: during Richards current situation as a prisoner in the summer of 1242 and his earlier life while a sergeant-brother in the Order of the Swordbrothers in Riga, Livonia, from 1205 through 1209. The authors depictions of medieval life are fascinating, creating vivid, immersive impressions of brutally harsh times. The living conditions, for not only the brothers but the entire populace, are stark, with food, shelter, and safety always at the minimum. The daily routine of life in the Order is rigid, relieved only by the chance to wage war. Well-choreographed battle scenes put readers smack in the middle of the chaos, brutality, death, and destruction.

The imprisoned Richard, looking back and dictating his words to the disgruntled Irish scribe, Fergus, is an old man at 53, while he is only 16 and a survivor of his first battle against the pagans when his narrative picks up. While nominally viewed as a boy by the Order, he is still expected to work, fight, and potentially die like the older men. Richard is relentlessly persecuted by his master, Rudolf, and Wolfgang, a fellow sergeant-brother, throughout his service, and he plans and retaliates whenever possible, with the help of sympathetic companions. He is often in trouble with the Orders command as a result of his temper and his reactions to the constant provocations. Although they are a religious order of fighting knights, the Swordbrothers are often accurately described as no better than a band of brigands. Their mission to convert the pagan populations of faraway lands as part of the Northern Crusades in the Baltics is questionable, especially when viewed through a modern lens. There is a lot of death and destruction wreaked in the name of Christ.

To aid in readers enjoyment, the author has provided a comprehensive list of characters appearing or mentioned in the book, many of whom are actual historical figures. Chapters are grouped into parts and anchored in time and place by the associated dates and settings of the ensuing events. While this is the second book in the series, the author provides a very good recap of the story to date, so new readers will still enjoy and understand this compelling page-turner. However, the previous novel, Sword Brethren, was a 5-star read for me, and also a riveting tale of family, betrayal, and resilience, and not to be missed by readers who enjoy compelling sagas of action-filled historical fiction.

I recommend SOLDIERS OF CHRIST to readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in the relatively ignored Northern Crusades.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

BOOK REVIEW: SOLDIERS OF CHRIST (THE NORTHERN CRUSADERS CHRONICLES, #2) by Jon Byrne

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:09:11 Z

Soldiers of Christ

The Northern Crusader Chronicles, #2

Jon Byrne

The riveting story of imprisoned knight-brother Richard Fitz Simon continues as Prince Nevsky seeks peace between his country and the Baltic crusaders.

I recommend SOLDIERS OF CHRIST to readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in the relatively ignored Northern Crusades.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

Woodland Cottages Sherman Celebrates Grand Opening Aug. 13

Culver Public Relations — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:00:13 Z

Woodland Cottages Sherman, a new 55+ active adult community, will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 3306 W. Houston St. in Sherman.

The gated, pet-friendly community features 84 one- and two-bedroom cottages designed to offer active adults the privacy and comfort of a single-family home with the convenience of maintenance-free community living. Residents can enjoy amenities including a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, pickleball court and a full calendar of social activities.

The grand opening will begin with a Tri-Chamber ribbon cutting featuring the Sherman, Denison and Pottsboro Area Chambers of Commerce at 3 p.m., followed by an open house from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Guests are invited to tour the community, meet the development team and enjoy complimentary food and beverages.

Woodland Cottages Sherman is part of Carbon Shepherd Developments growing portfolio of active adult communities across Texas.

For more information, visit Woodland Cottages, here.

Woodland Cottages Sherman Celebrates Grand Opening Aug. 13

Culver Public Relations — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:00:13 Z

Woodland Cottages Sherman, a new 55+ active adult community, will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 3306 W. Houston St. in Sherman.

Woodland Cottages Sherman is part of Carbon Shepherd Developments growing portfolio of active adult communities across Texas.

For more information, visit Woodland Cottages, here.

Musical Tribute for 9/11-FREE

Tom Keener — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:44:04 Z

Join the Allen Community Band in a Musical Tribute honoring the 25^th anniversary of the 9-11 attack on our nation. This free concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 11, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. A combination of patriotic selections and pieces written specifically for the September 11 remembrance will be presented. VFW 2195 will present the colors, and First Responders will be attending.

Most notable selections to be included are:

Beautiful, flowing lines underscore trumpet soloist Kevin Purcell in a special version of TAPS arranged by band member Derek Molacek that will open the program. The Star-Spangled Banner is the official Department of Defense version used by all military bands and other performing ensembles.

Composed as a tribute to victims of September 11^th:

A Hymn for the Lost and the Living by Eric Ewazen is a beautiful, highly expressive work for wind ensembles. It opens with a moving trumpet solo and builds into a profound, grieving memorial. Stephanie Waterman is the trumpet soloist.

9-11: Voices Echo is a two-movement piece written right after the tragedy. The first movement ("Attack") is aggressive and asymmetrical, with overlaying voices echoing the chaos. The second movement ("Aftermath") offers a somber, reflective
space.

Carmen Dragons highly emotional arrangement of America the Beautiful is one of the most dramatic settings of this patriotic standard ever written. Opening with the full ensemble followed by an extended section featuring the woodwinds, the brass and percussion are added to build to a very exciting and dynamic ending.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

Scarborough's Hollow Returns Bigger Than Ever With New Adventures, Magic and Mischief

Kathy Beazley — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:09:23 Z

Recognized as Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival at the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, as voted on by Renaissance festival fans nationwide, Scarborough's Hollow returns this fall with its biggest and most immersive season yet. The expanded fall fantasy festival transforms Scarborough Faires 16th century village into an enchanted world of fantasy, folklore and unforgettable autumn adventure

Scarborough's Hollow will be open Saturdays, Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, plus Sunday, Nov. 1, for a special Día de los Muertos celebration. Festival hours are 1 to 9 p.m. at Scarborough Faire, 2511 FM 66 in Waxahachie. Tickets start at $29.70 for adults and $16.50 for children ages 5 to 12, plus tax, and go on sale Aug. 6 at www.ScarboroughsHollow.com.

Expanded for 2026, the festival offers more live entertainment, artisan shopping, seasonal food and beverages, themed environments, immersive attractions and interactive experiences than ever before. From lively village streets to enchanted gathering places, each area has been thoughtfully designed to reveal new experiences throughout the day and into the evening.

"Scarborough's Hollow isn't just another seasonal attraction," said Veronica Castelo, general manager of Southwest Festivals, producer of Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough's Hollow. "It's an immersive fantasy world where guests become part of the story. Every visit leads to a new discovery, every character has a tale to tell, and every visit offers something different to explore. We wanted to create an experience where people can escape reality for a day and step into a magical world they'll want to visit again and again."

A New Chapter Begins

This season introduces a new chapter in the Hollow's original storyline.

The Three Sisters, Morwyn, Faylen and Slyra, have long protected the balance of their magical realm. Now, a powerful new force has emerged.

Lucian seeks to claim the Hollow for himself, spreading his influence throughout the village and challenging the Sisters like never before. Guests will experience this unfolding adventure through live performances, roaming characters, interactive encounters and immersive storytelling woven throughout the festival grounds.

Discover Something Around Every Corner

Throughout the village, guests can browse handcrafted goods from talented artisans, enjoy seasonal food and beverages, relax in lively pubs, experience live music, comedy and stage performances, and encounter whimsical creatures and colorful characters around nearly every corner.

Visitors are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the Hollow by wearing family-friendly autumn, fantasy, Renaissance or period-inspired attire. Guests looking to complete their look can also shop for clothing, accessories and handcrafted wares from the village's artisan merchants.

Signature Weekends & Seasonal Celebrations

Throughout the season, Scarborough's Hollow will feature special themed weekends that provide guests with even more reasons to return. From celebrating accessibility and honoring talented artisans to festive Halloween activities and a colorful Día de los Muertos celebration, each event offers unique experiences while preserving the immersive fantasy atmosphere of the Hollow.

Deaf Awareness Day Saturday, Oct. 3

Scarborough's Hollow will celebrate Deaf Awareness Day in partnership with Hired Hands, Inc., reinforcing the festival's commitment to creating an inclusive experience for all guests. American Sign Language interpretation will be available during select performances throughout the day, making the Hollow's entertainment, storytelling and magical experiences more accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Artisan Appreciation Weekend Saturday, Oct. 17

The festival will spotlight the talented artisans whose handcrafted creations help bring the village to life during Artisan Appreciation Weekend. Guests can meet the makers while exploring unique jewelry, leatherwork, pottery, artwork, home décor, fantasy-inspired gifts and more throughout the Artisan Village.

As a special one-day promotion, guests who spend $250 or more with participating artisans will receive one complimentary admission ticket to either the 2027 Scarborough Renaissance Festival or any remaining 2026 Scarborough's Hollow operating day. Guests must present same-day qualifying receipts totaling $250 or more at the Redemption Booth before leaving the festival. Exclusions apply.

Halloween Celebration Saturday, Oct. 31

Halloween at Scarborough's Hollow combines beloved fall traditions with immersive fantasy adventures. The first 500 children through the gates will receive a complimentary trick-or-treat bag before collecting treats throughout the village from participating artisan merchants. Families are encouraged to arrive in costume for the Costume Contest, enjoy pumpkin coloring in Kids' Hollow and experience the festival's live entertainment, artisan marketplace, seasonal food and beverages, Blackthorn Castle Haunted House, Rottingwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt and festive fall photo opportunities.

Día de los Muertos Celebration Sunday, Nov. 1

The season concludes with a special Día de los Muertos celebration honoring one of Mexico's most cherished traditions. Guests will enjoy live mariachi performances, special cultural programming, colorful face painting and a beautifully crafted community ofrenda honoring the memories of loved ones. Children can decorate Día de los Muertos sugar skull coloring pages in Kids' Hollow, while guests of all ages are invited to participate in the Family Costume Contest before experiencing one final day of live entertainment, artisan shopping, immersive attractions and seasonal food and beverages.

Immersive Attractions

Guests can further enhance their visit with optional attractions and premium experiences available throughout the festival.

Brave souls can enter the ancient Blackthorn Haunted Castle, where Lucian's dark influence has transformed its halls into a foreboding realm filled with eerie encounters.

Families and adventure seekers can explore Trickster's 3D Fun House, a whimsical walk-through attraction featuring colorful illusions, playful surprises and mind-bending twists inspired by Slyra's mischievous magic.

Guests can also uncover hidden clues and forgotten secrets inside the Secrets of Rottingwood Cemetery, an interactive scavenger adventure that becomes even more mysterious after sunset.

Adults 21 and older can elevate their visit with guided Harvest Wine Tastings hosted by Certified Sommelier Flynn Markley or Brews of the Hollow Beer Tastings led by Certified Cicerone® Seamus Norwood.

Admission starts at $29.70 for adults and $16.50 for children ages 5 to 12 plus taxes, with season passes, bundled admission packages and premium experiences also available. Children 4 and younger are admitted free. General parking is included with most adult admission tickets. Reserved premium parking, tastings and select attractions are available for an additional charge.

From whimsical daytime adventures to an enchanting atmosphere after sunset, Scarborough's Hollow offers guests an opportunity to celebrate the magic of autumn through imagination, exploration and unforgettable shared experiences. Whether it is a family's first visit or an annual tradition, every trip promises new discoveries, memorable characters and a little magic around every corner.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is sponsored by Dr Pepper and Tom Thumb & Albertsons.

For schedules, tickets and additional information, visitwww.ScarboroughsHollow.com or follow SRFestival on Facebook,Instagram TikTok, and YouTube.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST FESTIVALS

Southwest Festivals produces immersive events celebrating history, creativity and community, including the nationally recognized Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival and the Texas Mead & Music Festival. Hosted at Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie, Southwest Festivals' events feature live entertainment, artisan marketplaces, interactive experiences, themed attractions, and exceptional food and beverage experiences.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival and Scarborough's Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival were recently recognized in the 21st Annual Renaissance Festival Awards, earning fan-voted honors as Favorite Renaissance Festival (Southeast) and Favorite Faery/Fantasy Festival, respectively.

Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence

Donna Miller — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:06:20 Z

Hughes Family Tribute Center will present its 12th annual Celebración del Día de Muertos over two weeks, Saturday, October 17 through Monday, November 2, 2026 on select days at Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum. The cemetery, located in the Bachman Lake area, is traditionally visited by families on Día de Muertos. Celebración del Día de Muertos builds on this cultural custom. Celebración del Día de Muertosis free and open to the public and held at Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum featuring the historic Art Deco style mausoleum, recognized as a City of Dallas Historic Landmark.

During Celebración del Día de Muertos, Hughes Family Tribute Center will be sponsoring the art exhibition Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence which explores the connections between life, death, memory, and rebirth through contemporary art inspired by the traditions of Día de Muertos. Opening Saturday, October 17, and continuing on selected dates through Monday, November 2, 2026, the exhibition will feature a central installation by Josh Niccolai-Belfi, creating a powerful visual focal point. Curated by artist Art Garcia, the exhibition will also include works by regional area artists examining the themes of Día de Muertos.

Celebración del Día de Muertos is a multidisciplinary cultural arts program honoring the artistic and cultural traditions of Dfa de los Muertos through visual art, dance, music, and community engagement. Now in its 12th year, the event builds on authentic traditions and honors families coming to the cemetery and mausoleum to commune with their loved ones who are no longer with us on this earth. A priority goal is to welcome and educate attendees from diverse backgrounds about the meaning and importance of Dia de los Muertos and the ancient Mayan philosophy of the continuum of life and death.

The project will feature a newly commissioned immersive on-site art installation, original choreography, newly designed costumes and scenic elements, live musical performances, a commissioned theatrical reading, and interactive family activities that create an authentic and accessible cultural experience for audiences of all backgrounds. A central artistic component of the project is the site-specific art installation, "Los caminos de las vidas pasadas: la persistencia de la existencia," created by visual artist Josh Niccolai-Belfi in partnership with dancers and choreographers Favian Herrera and Fabiola Sanchez, and acoustic musician Noe Garcia. The installation will center on a sculptural aluminum altar that will serve as both a visual artwork and a performance environment. Dancers wearing original masks designed by Niccolai-Belfi will interact with the installation through choreographed and improvised movement that symbolizes the transition between the world of the living and the afterlife. Live acoustic music will accompany the performances, allowing each presentation to respond organically to the venue and audience. Small commemorative masks created by the artist will be distributed to visitors, extending the artistic experience beyond the performance itself.

Josh Niccolai-Belfi is a Dallas-based painter and sculptor native to the Bishop Arts district of Oak Cliff. He is a Fine Art Conservator and an experienced metal fabricator, welder, and wood worker, working with Dallas-based Van Enter Studio. His early art education included W.E. Greiner, Booker T. Washington HS PVA, and scholarships with the Meadows Museum at SMU. With a studio in the vibrant Tin District area of West Dallas, he maintains a prolific and diverse body of work. Currently, his work is on exhibit at "Texas Sculpts" at the Art Centre of Plano. His work explores sweeping vistas of color and texture that prohibit the eye to remain stationary with encroaching fields of pigment, interrupted peaks and crevasses, a landscape of the imagination.

The central on-site art installation will be accompanied by a visual art exhibition of Dia de los Muertos-themed works by area artists. This exhibit will be curated by Dallas-based artist, Art Garcia. Teatro Dallas has been commissioned to create a theatrical reading to accompany the art installation.

Additional artistic elements will include newly designed costumes, scenic environments, and decorative installations inspired by traditional Df a de los Muertos imagery including butterflies, flowers, calaveras, catrinas, and ofrendas. The Celebraci6n is designed to increase public understanding of the history, artistic traditions, and cultural significance of Celebración del Día de Muertos while providing opportunities for meaningful community participation. Although the holiday has gained widespread recognition throughout the United States, its Indigenous origins and enduring cultural traditions are often misunderstood. This project presents Celebración del Día de Muertos as it has been celebrated for centuries: a joyful remembrance that honors ancestors and loved ones through art, music, ritual, and community gathering.

The traditions of Celebración del Día de Muertos date back more than 3,000 years to the Indigenous cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Rather than focusing on death as something to be feared, the celebration affirms the continuing relationship between the living and those who have passed. Families gather to honor loved ones through prayer, meditation, flowers, music, food, and ofrendas (offerings), reaffirming the importance of family, cultural identity, and intergenerational connection. By presenting these traditions in an artistic and educational setting, the project promotes cultural appreciation, cross-cultural understanding, and preservation of an important aspect of Mexican and Central American heritage.

The 2026 Celebraci6n will take place at Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum near Bachman Lake. The cemetery provides an authentic setting that reflects the longstanding tradition of families gathering at burial sites to celebrate and remember loved ones. This meaningful location reinforces the cultural significance of the event while creating a respectful environment for reflection, remembrance, and artistic expression.

Celebración Details

Saturday, October 17 - Monday, November 2, 2026

Free admission

Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum

9718 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas, Texas 75220

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Grand Opening - Pathways of Past Lives; the Persistence of Existence Art Exhibition

Featuring central installation by Josh Nicolaii-Belfy

Installation and Art on view 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Musical/Theatrical Performance at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 18, 2026