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The Best Worst Christmas Ever
Thomas J. Thorson’s The Best Worst Christmas Ever begins as a simple snowbound family story and unfolds into something much more. Part adventure, part fairy tale, and part rediscovery of wonder. It starts with a family trapped by a blizzard on Christmas Eve, stripped of their digital comforts and forced to reconnect. A father and his three children, Parker, Candace, and little Lily, turn an ordinary night into an extraordinary one through shared imagination. What begins as storytelling by candlelight transforms into a magical journey involving Santa, fairies, lost treasures, and lessons about love, courage, and the true meaning of Christmas.
This book felt like it should be read by a warm fire while the world outside howled with snow. Thorson writes with a gentle humor and sincerity that caught me off guard. The story within a story, the family inventing a Christmas adventure together, reminded me of my own childhood, of times when imagination bridged every gap. The characters felt real, especially the father trying to keep the holiday spirit alive amid chaos. His patience, the kids’ bickering, and the messy dinner they invent, all felt honest and familiar. I liked how the writing never rushed. Each moment had room to breathe.
But what really surprised me was how emotional it became. There’s whimsy in the magic and humor in the dialogue, but there’s also depth. The story nudges you to think about connection, about how the simplest acts like sharing stories, and helping one another can turn a night of disappointment into one of wonder. I felt nostalgic, and a little wistful, reading it.
By the end, I found myself smiling. The Best Worst Christmas Ever isn’t flashy or cynical. It’s a small, heartfelt book that believes in kindness, family, and imagination. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves cozy stories with a touch of fantasy, parents reading aloud to kids, readers who still believe in a bit of Christmas magic, or anyone who just wants to feel good for a while.
Pages: 164 | ASIN : B0FM8HYSG1
Luciana’s Finest Hour
Luciana’s Finest Hour is a whimsical and heartwarming tale set in the medieval land of Knowhere, where a clever young girl named Luciana teams up with her sneezy pet dragon, Diego, to rescue her wrongly imprisoned father. The story blends fantasy, humor, and an empowering message about courage and resilience. As Luciana enters a dragon derby disguised as a boy, she defies expectations, faces down bullies, and ultimately wins the race and her father’s freedom, proving that true grit isn’t bound by age or gender.
What immediately stood out to me was the book’s tone; it maintains a sense of playfulness without veering into excessive silliness, which is a difficult balance to achieve in children’s literature. I found myself chuckling when Bottlemy, Luciana’s dad, starts belching uncontrollably every time he tries to blow glass due to Balthazar’s ridiculous cabbage spell. That kind of humor is silly, yes, but it’s also smart. Kids will laugh, and adults will appreciate how it ties directly into the plot’s larger theme of time gone haywire. The imagery is fun and vivid. I could practically hear the burps and see the bulging, broken hourglasses falling apart.
Luciana herself is a wonderfully drawn character; she is determined, brave, and real. I loved that she wasn’t perfect. When Luciana crashes into the snow following yet another underhanded tactic by Conrad and his companions, she momentarily loses hope and says, “I give up.” The moment resonated deeply because it captures a universal feeling of defeat that many readers, regardless of age, can relate to. But then Diego nudges her, and she finds her resolve again. That moment felt honest and powerful without being heavy-handed. I was cheering when Diego finally sneezed fire and melted the snow blockade. It was an epic moment that gave me goosebumps.
The final act was genuinely touching. When Luciana wins the race and her father is freed, it’s a payoff that feels earned. Even Balthazar’s apology and the king’s choice to make both him and Bottlemy “co-timekeepers” wrapped things up in a way that emphasized forgiveness and working together. I liked that it didn’t make the villain cartoonishly evil. He made a mistake, admitted it, and got a second chance. That’s a great lesson for kids (and adults, too). And Luciana’s line at the end, “Papa, it’s our time,” was the perfect close.
This book would be a hit for kids around 7 to 11, especially girls who love dragons, clever inventions, or stories with heart and humor. It’s also a great read-aloud choice for parents who want something that’s fun but not fluff. There’s action, a strong female lead, and a healthy dose of quirky charm. Luciana’s Finest Hour definitely lives up to its name. I had a blast reading it, and I think a lot of other readers will too.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0F1GZNS29
Find the Light
The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow follows a young boy and a small green dragon who go on a journey through a perilous cave facing challenges and forming alliances along the way as they battle The Shadow. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
The main inspiration was my son. He’s currently undergoing treatment for leukemia, and throughout his treatment journey he has had so many moments where he was incredibly brave! I likened what he was going through to the burden carried by Frodo in the Lord of the Rings, and wanted to write a fantasy metaphor for pediatric cancer treatment. It was important for me to draw on that, but then pull in inspiration from Kingdom Hearts and Dungeons & Dragons to help tell it. It was a very cathartic experience. And aside from my son’s fight, I also wanted to give other kids, or even adults, that are going through the same thing an easily read book that lets them know they’re not alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
There is a lot that the main character goes through, and he’s portrayed as a young boy. I wanted to make sure that this boy made mistakes, displayed a wide variety of emotions, and was filled with doubt. He is guided by a small dragon throughout the journey, who I really just wanted to make fun and quirky, but also wise and sagely. The other characters and what they present to the main character are very representative of cancer treatment. It was their interactions with the boy and how he reacted to them and what each of them represented that really tells the story beneath the story.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
That no matter how dark or terrible things appear, to find the light. There is always light. Trust in that light. And sometimes it takes reading a book or talking to a friend to find a bit of bravery. Or maybe it takes listening to the wise words of a quirky dragon.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
Before this story and everything that inspired it, I was in the middle of writing a fantasy series with my good friend, Aaron Bunce, called The Dunes of Aelaron. We still have the third installment to write, entitled The Wrath of the Undergods. I also have a science fiction project I’m working on that I hope to have out next year.
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ADVENTURES AT LAKE OMIGOSH
Adventures at Lake Omigosh transports readers to Camp Horizon, a vibrant summer destination where children from all over come together to enjoy outdoor adventures and campfire tales. Among the most popular stories is the legend of the camp’s lake, said to be home to a mysterious creature resembling a giant turtle. According to local lore, when someone spots the creature, they shout, “Oh my gosh!”—giving the lake its unusual name. This summer, Felix and Harry are especially eager to experience the adventure firsthand. Undeterred by worsening weather, they take a boat out on the lake, but things quickly spiral out of control. Without life jackets and unsure of where to swim, they face a perilous situation until unexpected help arrives.
Scott Sollers’ writing is engaging and vivid and draws readers into the story with his evocative descriptions of the camp and its legendary lake. He expertly sets the tone, blending the excitement of summer camp with the mystery of the legend. The narrative quickly picks up pace after the scene is set, delivering a fast-paced adventure that keeps readers hooked without overwhelming them. The various camp activities are portrayed in a way that brings the experience to life, making the story both fun and relatable for young readers. At the same time, there are clear lessons woven into the story, such as emphasizing safety, teamwork, and the value of helping others.
The book’s illustrations further enhance the story, providing a striking contrast between the dark and mysterious settings of the lake legend and the cheerful and sunlit scenes of the children’s activities. These visuals add depth to the storytelling, making each moment feel more immersive and engaging.
While Felix and Harry are well-developed characters with distinct personalities, I think it would have been nice to see more reflection from them on the importance of responsibility and following camp rules. Nevertheless, their journey is both exciting and instructive, subtly imparting important messages about safety and teamwork.
Adventures at Lake Omigosh is an impressive children’s book that will inspire young readers to embrace nature and the spirit of adventure. With its lively plot, rich descriptions, and important lessons, this picture book encourages children to explore the outdoors, try new activities, and use their imaginations.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0D98MSMV1
The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow
The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow by Christopher Guhl is a heartwarming fantasy that tells the story of a boy named Liam and his loyal companion, a dragon named Georgie. Together, they journey through a perilous cave, facing challenges and forming alliances with an array of intriguing characters as they battle the menacing force known as The Shadow. Throughout this quest, Liam discovers an incredible power within himself, yet each use of this strength comes at a steep personal cost. This poignant story is deeply inspired by Guhl’s own experience, drawing from his son’s battle with leukemia, making it as personal as it is powerful.
In many ways, the novel serves as a beautifully crafted metaphor for the struggles faced during illness. The dark, endless cave becomes a symbol for the overwhelming and often uncertain path that lies ahead when confronting such adversity. But, amid the darkness, Liam finds support in the form of unique beings, each offering guidance, hope, and strength for his dangerous journey. Guhl’s storytelling taps into universal emotions, making each fantastical encounter feel personal and relatable. The allegory of the story shines through, resonating with anyone who has faced hardship, particularly when illness is involved. The vivid descriptions of the cave heighten the sense of the daunting, almost impossible task that Liam faces. Yet, the tender moments of assistance and support from those around him give the narrative warmth and hope, illustrating that even in the darkest moments, we are not alone. While the brevity of the book makes it accessible to younger readers, it could also be seen as a drawback. The story’s characters, themes, and emotional depth feel deserving of more time and space to be fully explored. That said, the book’s sincerity and emotional resonance remain intact, delivering an impactful and moving tale even within its concise structure.
Perfect for middle-grade readers or anyone who appreciates stories of courage and resilience, The Boy, a Dragon, and the Cave of Shadow is a beautifully inspiring read. Guhl’s story is not only a testament to the power of perseverance but also a touching allegory of the struggles we face—and overcome—when life’s battles seem insurmountable. An uplifting read for children and adults alike, it’s a must-read for those who enjoy stories of hope and bravery in the face of adversity.
Pages: 64 | ASIN : B0D9SWFVZN
LITERARY TITAN 