Best books of September 2024, as chosen by the Amazon Editors

Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html%3Ftheme=light?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light

What to read next: Elton John saves a football club, American football season is here, and more

Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html%3Ftheme=light?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light

I love a good mystery and picked up The Murders in Great Diddling by Katarina Bivald on a whim. I am so glad that I did. I love a good mystery and Bivald delivered. Narrated by Helen Lloyd, we meet best-selling mystery writer Berit Gardner who live in a cottage in the small, rundown village of Great Diddling. You’ll want to put on a pot of tea and curl up with this story!

The Murders in Great Diddling
by Katarina Bivald
Series: Berit Gardner #1
Narrator: Helen Lloyd
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

The best stories are the ones we didn’t know needed to be told.

The small, rundown village of Great Diddling is full of stories—author Berit Gardner can feel it. The way the villagers avoid outsiders, the furtive stares and whispers in the presence of newcomers… Berit can sense the edge of a story waiting to be unraveled, and she’s just the person to do it. In fact, with a book deadline looming over her and no manuscript (not even the idea for a manuscript, truth be told), Berit doesn’t just want this story. She needs it.

Then, while attending a village tea party, Berit becomes part of the action herself. An explosion in the library of the village’s grand manor kills a local man, and the resulting investigation and influx of outsiders sends the quiet, rundown community into chaos. The residents of Great Diddling, each one more eccentric and interesting than any character Berit could have invented, rewrite their own narrative and transform the death of one of their own from a tragedy into a new beginning. Taking advantage of Great Diddling’s new notoriety, the villagers band together to start a book and murder festival designed to bring desperately needed tourists to their town. What they couldn’t have predicted is how the new story they’ve begun to tell will change all their lives forever.

Uplifting, charming, and laugh-out-loud funny, The Murders in Great Diddling by New York Times bestselling author Katarina Bivald is a celebration of the life-changing magic of books and the people who love them.

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Berit is supposed to be writing her next story, but that hasn’t happened. Yet. She is sure the story is here. She just needs to find it. Her manager is slightly concerned and sends a junior assistant to keep her on task.

While attending a garden tea party at the village’s grand manor, Berit finds herself in the middle of a mystery when a local man is murdered. The tale that unfolds kept me listening into the wee hours as Berit investigates, much to the chagrin of the local constable.

Meanwhile, the local merchants are trying to strum up business and decide to hold a book Murder festival, complete with signing authors… advertising begins, despite no authors’ willingness to attend. Let the games begin.

I adored Berit and the quirky, eccentric townsfolk. The author pulled me in with a delightful murder and soon had me wishing to visit the village of Great Diddling. I laughed and enjoyed trying to solve the murder while tagging along with Berit. Bivald blends the feel of a cozy mystery with that of the Thursday Murder Club, and I cannot wait for the next audiobook.

Helen Llyod’s narration was delightful and enhanced the story by bringing these colorful characters to life. I highly recommend listening.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/09/the-murders-in-great-diddling-by-katarina-bivald.html

Hop’s Case of Being Different is a heartwarming and poignant children’s book that tackles the themes of diversity and self-acceptance through the eyes of a frog named Hop. Written by Noah Bella Michaelis at just eight years old, the story follows Hop as he navigates life in Frog Jumping Lake, where he feels out of place due to his unique features. Despite his differences, Hop eventually learns that being different is not only okay but something to be celebrated. The book, enriched with colorful illustrations by Angie Savoy, brings to life Hop’s journey in a way that is both accessible and deeply meaningful for young readers.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the way it addresses complex themes in a manner that children can easily understand. Noah’s writing is simple yet powerful, and it’s evident that she drew from her own experiences and challenges in life. The story’s narrative is engaging, with Hop’s struggles and eventual triumph resonating on a personal level. What stands out is Noah’s ability to convey the idea that diversity is a strength, and this is done with a sincerity that only a child could bring forth. The illustrations by Angie Savoy complement the text beautifully, adding a visual depth to the story that enhances its emotional impact. Each character is vividly portrayed, and the colors used are both vibrant and inviting, making the book a visual treat for its young audience. The imagery of Frog Jumping Lake, with its diverse inhabitants, serves as a perfect backdrop to the story’s message. What makes Hop’s Case of Being Different truly special is the context behind its creation. Knowing that Noah, a young girl living with Congenital Heart Disease, penned this story while facing significant health challenges adds an extra layer of depth and poignancy to the book. The foreword, written by her mother, gives readers insight into the love and determination that went into bringing Hop’s story to life. It’s impossible not to feel moved by the knowledge that this book was written by someone who, despite her own challenges, had a profound understanding of what it means to feel different and the courage to share that understanding with the world.

Hop’s Case of Being Different is more than just a children’s book—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. I would recommend it to parents, teachers, and caregivers who wish to introduce young children to the concepts of diversity and self-acceptance. The story of Hop will undoubtedly inspire and comfort any child who has ever felt out of place or different, reminding them that their uniqueness is something to be celebrated, not hidden.

Pages: 36 | ISBN : 1732525404

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/05/hops-case-of-being-different/

The Songbird and the Sunshine is a sweet and heartwarming tale that captures the strength of family ties against the backdrop of dementia’s bittersweet reality. Amy, a young girl with a voice as radiant as a songbird’s melody, shares an unbreakable bond with her grandma, who is the light of her life. As dementia casts a shadow over her grandma’s memories, Amy’s songs shift from simple tunes to a lifeline that keeps their love alive. However, when Amy loses her voice, she faces a new challenge: finding another way to stay connected as her grandma’s memories continue to slip away.

Mandy Woolf handles the subject of dementia with a deft and sensitive touch. She crafts a narrative that is both educational and deeply moving for young readers. The story delves into the emotional world of a girl confronting the complexities of her grandma’s illness. Amy’s journey, moving from singing to exploring other means of connection, strikes a powerful chord. It highlights the enduring power of love and the need to adapt in the face of life’s difficult changes, no matter how challenging they may be. The writing in this book is straightforward yet deeply evocative, perfectly capturing the story’s poignant essence. Woolf paints vivid images of Amy’s bright voice and her grandma’s soothing warmth, creating a lasting emotional impact. The illustrations further enhance the story, visually echoing the love between Amy and her grandma, which is something that will resonate deeply with many readers. As an added bonus, Woolf provides a fun memory game at the end of the story.

The Songbird and the Sunshine is a beautiful and impactful book, especially for those affected by dementia. It tells a story of love, loss, and the creation of new connections when the old ones fade. I strongly recommend this book to families, educators, and anyone seeking a gentle yet powerful way to discuss dementia with children. This book shines as a beacon of hope, highlighting the enduring strength of family bonds, even in life’s most challenging moments.

Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1923020633

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/05/the-songbird-and-the-sunshine/

For the Love of God: A Tapestry of History and Heritage in Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico, plunges into the heart of Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico, weaving history with the threads of personal memory. Liborio Gutierrez Martín del Campo, alongside his son, Jose Gutierrez Gonzalez, crafts a rich narrative that honors the region’s heritage while tracing the lineage of its people. Readers are drawn into a world where the past pulses with life, each page steeped in the traditions and struggles that have shaped this highland area. Nostalgia and reverence permeate the work, offering a window into history through the intimate lens of family pride.

The book’s intimate tone immediately captures attention. The authors convey a deep affection for their homeland, transforming the narrative into something both personal and sweeping. The region’s history, spanning from the Spanish conquest to contemporary times, intertwines with tales from the Gutierrez family’s own journey, bringing the past into sharp, vivid focus. Though dense at times, particularly when unraveling complex historical events, the detail enriches the story for those with a keen interest in Jalisco’s rich past. Dual authorship shapes the book’s structure, creating a unique rhythm in the narrative. The transition between Liborio’s original writings and Jose’s contributions flows smoothly for the most part, though the shift in voices occasionally disrupts the story’s momentum. Jose’s prologue, filled with poignant reflections, sets the stage, explaining how the book came to be and the challenges encountered during its completion. This blend of voices adds a layer of depth, making the book not only a historical recounting but also a testament to the act of preserving history itself. Anecdotes and legends peppered throughout the pages infuse the narrative with cultural depth and mystique. Stories such as the legend of Tlaloc or the mysterious occurrences at Cerro Gordo add a mythic dimension, merging folklore with historical fact. These tales do more than entertain; they shed light on the values and beliefs that have shaped the identity of Los Altos de Jalisco.

For the Love of God: A Tapestry of History and Heritage in Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico, stands as a loving homage to Los Altos de Jalisco, crafted with both precision and passion. While those with a personal connection to the region or a deep interest in Mexican history might find it most appealing, the emotional resonance and storytelling make it a compelling read for anyone intrigued by the interplay of history, culture, and personal identity.

Pages: 318 | ASIN : B0D39LP22L

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/05/for-the-love-of-god-a-tapestry-of-history-and-heritage-in-los-altos-de-jalisco-mexico/

In Paradise Undone, Annie Dawid takes readers on a haunting journey back to the 1950s, where Marceline, the daughter of a pastor, encounters a man who seems to embody all the characteristics she values. Charismatic, godly, and fiercely intelligent, Jim Jones attracts people like a flame in the darkness. However, the world would soon know his name for reasons far darker than Marceline could have ever imagined. The creation of Jonestown and the horrific massacre that ensued became global news, but no documentary could fully capture the human tragedy of what happened there. This novel does, and it does so with unflinching honesty.

Paradise Undone serves almost as a companion piece to the recent TV miniseries Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown. While the series provides archival footage and survivor interviews, Dawid’s novel delves deeper into the events that transpired in the Guyanese jungle and the years that led up to it. The Jonestown tragedy can be explored on many levels, each more disturbing than the last. It wasn’t just the loss of life that was so horrifying, but also the manipulation and perversion of the very idea of paradise on Earth that Jones preached. This novel focuses intensely on that perversion. Dawid’s vivid descriptions evoke a visceral reaction as we witness the transformation of Jones from a seemingly benevolent leader to a figure of pure malevolence, like the devil himself given human form. From the outset, Dawid expertly reveals the cracks in Jones’ Eden. As the story unfolds, readers become as captive as the residents of Jonestown, drawn into a web of tension that escalates to a fever pitch. Even for those familiar with the outcome, the inevitability of the violent crescendo does nothing to lessen its devastating impact. This is a harrowing tale, and Dawid leads us through it with the precision and skill of a seasoned storyteller, ensuring that every moment is as gripping as it is heartbreaking.

Paradise Undone is a powerful and deeply unsettling exploration of one of the most tragic events in modern history. Annie Dawid’s masterful storytelling brings the human aspect of the Jonestown massacre into sharp focus, revealing the psychological manipulation and the dark descent of a man who led so many to their doom. This novel not only provides a chilling reminder of the dangers of blind devotion but also serves as a poignant testament to the lives lost.

Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0CKHSZX7X

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/05/paradise-undone-a-novel-of-jonestown/

Maxzyne Goes Aquamarine follows a young girl attending a CPR training who discovers a myriad of mystical underwater creatures battling to save their environment. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I love to read the newspapers each morning – one local and one international. I came across the story of an ongoing battle between an international water bottling company’s use of a beautiful water spring for its product. The water use was being contested by the local government and environment-protectors.

I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?

My favorite part of world and story building is the research. I live in Florida, a water state, and in this book I wanted to showcase that particular environmental feature in Maxzyne’s third adventure. An underwater mission in a mythical world of ancient nixies, naiads and double-crossing fire salamanders was too much fun to imagine and write.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Getting along with others is always a theme that resonates with me. Maxzyne has to learn to work with Oliver, a nerdy and overbearing partner in this underwater adventure. It’s quickly apparent that egos only get in the way. Thankfully, by the end, both characters admire and respect their differences, finding ways to cooperate and help save the sacred springs from destruction. Respect for the environment is also prominently featured in this book. I walk the beach every day and hate to see the litter left behind by daily visitors. Plastic, in the form of water bottles, is an unfortunate invention that must be swept into the dustbin of history before it chokes all earth’s tributaries, seas, and creatures.

Can fans look forward to more adventures from Maxzyne in the near future? 

Absolutely! She’s hard to keep up with, but I think she just may have a jaunt in space soon…

Author Links: Website | Book Review

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/05/respecting-differences/

I was born or given to the light, as the largely Hispanic townspeople would say, in the impoverished desert municipality of Barstow, California. My mother, Ruth, was young and inexperienced; her marriage was already flaking away. I was her practice child, and she did things with me that in retrospect, she said, horrified her, although […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/09/04/desert-visions-flamingos/

If you are looking for a humorous, action-packed romantasy you’ll want grab Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. This is the second book in the Assistant to the Villain series and delivered all I expected and more. Narrated by Em Eldridge, the audiobook brought the characters, snark and adventures to life.

Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Series: Assistant to the Villain #2
Narrator: Em Eldridge
Length: 12 hours and 40 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. -Mgmt

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome, evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat . . . out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in trouble, and all signs—Kingsley’s included—point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies . . . including their nemesis, the king.

Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, his nefarious works, and maybe the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so . . . so . . . delightfully fun.

But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

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This series is such fun with its hints of fairy tales, our mysterious and grumpy Villain and, of course, Evie, our loveable heroine. Like most fantasy, this series is best read in order of release as the world and relationships build.

Apprentice to the Villain picks up right where the cliffhanger ending of Assistant to the Villain lets off. We dove right back into the action, as our Villain, thinking the worst, gives up all hope. Twists and turns hooked me from the first chapter.

The author continued to flesh out the world and introduced new characters while building current characters. We have suspense, romance, humor and found family. Magic and danger await you as Maehrer weaves magic and invites readers to ponder the question, “what is a villain?”

Evie continues to evolve, and I loved the interaction between her and the Villain. Unspoken words and a building attraction provide plenty of swoons as Evie worked to keep the Villain’s lair safe and protect the kingdom from their nemesis.

I could not imagine not listening to this series. Em Eldridge brings these characters and the story to life with her voices and tone. I cannot wait for the next installment coming in 2025.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/09/apprentice-to-the-villain-by-hannah-nicole-maehrer.html