John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

The Adventures of Rug Bug: The Revolution by Kay M. Bates is a lovingly penned book for young readers about friendship, morality, and standing up for what you believe in. Rug Bug is a charming little hero, and the vivid world that Bates creates is sharp and smart. Accompanied by clever footnotes and overflowing with creatively epic descriptions of this miniature world, the story is amusing and entertaining throughout. Though this fast-paced book could use the occasional grammatical polish, it boasts relatable themes and thoughtful parallels to the real world, for a highly successful work of children’s fiction.

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In the dangerously dystopian world of Thrash by author Jason Palmer, Harry is a hard-drinking anti-hero that can take a beating better than anyone in town, a science experiment begrudgingly squaring off against the city’s resident villain, Brian Thurgold. This book has the bitter edge of “Watchmen” and the darkness of “Gotham,” along with gleefully acidic humor from the protagonist that counters the more graphic and gruesome moments. Palmer’s savagely casual writing style makes this truly strange read a violent delight.

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A mystical secret and the complex nature of love swirl at the center of Trusting Wine by Rachel Lee Glass. Although a future-telling wine drives the plot of this family drama, the magical realism is balanced by powerful dialogue, vulnerable moments of personal confession, and delicate discussions of faith. The narrative style is quite declarative, which can be jarring against the romantic essence of the novel, but overall Glass delivers a confident and magical musing on life, family, and destiny in this original and entertaining novel.

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Spunky the crime-solving pooch returns in The Nose Rules, the fourth standalone installment of author Holly L. Lewitas’ endearing mystery series. This time around, Spunky and her menagerie of neighborhood sidekicks lend “Mom” a paw to help unravel a local disappearance, and solve a brutal murder. This charming read from a dog’s-eye view is both entertaining and impressive, as the author deeply develops the personalities of her characters – both old and new, human and otherwise. At times heartfelt, and others laugh-out-loud funny, The Nose Rules is an ideal escape for anyone who loves mischievous pets and unpredictable mysteries.[…]

Drawing on her long and successful career as a plastic surgery and aesthetic coach, author Michelle Emmick dramatically pulls back the curtain on the secretive world of cosmetic surgery in her book, Blue-Collar Beauty. Not only do these musings and memories demonstrate Emmick’s expertise in personal improvement and her philosophy behind self-love, but they may also guide any readers considering a cosmetic procedure for themselves. This easy-to-read memoir is full of wisdom and authenticity that is only attainable by an authority in the field.

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