Molly Pepper and the Night Train by Courtney King Walker

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Sep 152015
 

???????????????????Molly Pepper and the Night Train

Author: Courtney King Walker

Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing

Published: March 2015

ISBN: 978-0-9857250-5-1

Paperback: 254 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Hidden somewhere in the fog of the San Francisco bay lies Blue Rock Island, home to the bay area’s two best-kept secrets: Bell’s Bluff, the old, abandoned prison on one side of the island, and the Night Train, a mysterious train ride on the other. When twelve-year-old Molly Pepper receives a secret invitation promising a night of magic and adventure aboard the Night Train, she is skeptical. In her experience, most promises prove too good to be true. The fact that she lost her mom is proof enough.

Still, Molly gives hope another chance. Together with her loyal friend, Noah Wonderly, they sneak out of the house and follow a string of clues leading to the Night Train. But when the train stops at Bell’s Bluff, Molly discovers the real reason she was invited. There, she starts to wonder if hope and magic not only fix broken promises; but make you believe in them again.

My Review

This book is a treasure.  I LOVE middle grade books, especially middle grade books with lots of heart, fun, and mystery.  This book has it all.  There were so many little things in this story that made me smile, and I loved the wonderful extra sweetness that made this book special (a certain scene with Noah, that I just loved).  Molly is a fantastic character, but Noah stole the show for me.  He was my favorite.  I loved the pacing in this book too, the short chapters when it wasn’t being told by Molly’s POV, were the perfect added touch to give the story even more.  It begins with a fun adventure for Molly and Noah and lots of people are waiting to see how it unfolds.  There is a reveal at the end that I suspected, but when it came, it was heartbreaking and I loved how it all came out.  Perfect ending to a fabulous book.

5 out of 5 stars.  Courtney is also the author of an enjoyable YA book called On the Fringe that I reviewed back in 2012.  Check that out here.

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

On the Fringe by Courtney King Walker

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 292012
 

On the Fringe

Author: Courtney King Walker

Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing

Published: 2011

Paperback: 272 pages

IBSN: 978-0-9825005-5-2

FTC FYI: I received a free copy which did not affect my review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary:  Claire is struggling to overcome the murder of her childhood friend and secret crush, Daniel. Everyone else seems to be moving on with their lives, but she’s still trying to cope. The fact that she finds herself alone and drowning on her 16th birthday isn’t helping.

Neither is thinking she sees Daniel’s face in murky water as she mysteriously resurfaces. But something happened during those four and a half minutes that will make her realize it was not just her imagination.

As Claire and Daniel try to grasp a possible reconnection, other grudge-holding beings have plans of their own. Now, the two of them have to decide if their fleeting relationship is worth the possibility of Claire being trapped on the fringe forever.

Beautifully told, On the Fringe intertwines fresh ideas about devotion, revenge, and the consequences that come with life and death.”

Right when Claire and Daniel are starting to realize they like each other, Daniel is killed in shooting.  They have known each other for years, and Claire is best friends with Daniel’s sister, Addie.  While  Daniel is best friends with Matthew, Claire’s brother.  In the beginning of the book, you get to know the characters and be with them for some of their escapades.

I love the way this book is written. It is told in Claire’s and Daniel’s perspective, and a bit in flashback form.  Very clever, and written well.  This book was so enjoyable and the characters were engaging.  My favorite was Daniel.  I felt myself cheering for Claire and Daniel even though… oops, I can’t tell you all that.  You will have to read this entertaining book to find out all the fun secrets.  It was very intense in some scenes, and spooky too.  There is someone out there on the fringe who wants to hurt Claire, and they need to find out why.

4 out of 5 stars.  Find out more about the author here.  Follow Courtney on Twitter on Facebook.

BARNES AND NOBLE / AMAZON