TBT and Get Kids Reading choice

I thought I would combine my Throwback Thursday choice with a Get Kids Reading choice and so I choose. Changing Tides (National Treasure A Gates Family Mystery book 1) by Catherine Hapka



This first book in a series based on the National Treasure books is an excellent mystery to start with for kids to read. I must say as an adult I like them too and will read the others in the series.
This book starts with how the Gates family got to America. Samuel Gates and his brother in 1612 sail for America and on the way learn of a treasure and decided to try and find it. They land in Jamestown hoping to find the treasure, gain wealth and repair their families reputation. This book and the others in the series is a great way to read about history while following along trying to solve the mystery and locate a treasure. Young kids will be learning history and not even realize it. This is a great book and each chapter builds excitement and leaves you wanting more. I think it is worth a look and read for young chapter book readers.


I hope you will try these mysteries but start with the first one here and follow the Gates family through American history.


Until Next Time:
GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING AND GET THE KIDS READING!

5 Stars to Murder Gone A Rye by Nancy J Parra

Murder Gone A-Rye (A Baker's Treat Mystery #2) by Nancy J. Parra  is another great book in this series. I give it 5 Stars out of 5 Stars. This has fast become one of my favorite cozy mysteries.


This book picks up just where the first one left off. Toni is trying to become a welcome part of the business community of her hometown with her gluten free bakery. She is entering a float in the Homer Everett day parade to try to show she is a part of the community. Things get a little hectic though when Toni's Grandma Ruth, who has been investigating an old murder which Grandma thinks Homer Everett committed, gets arrested for the murder of Lois who was going to share information with her on the murder. Toni tries to keep her Grandma out of trouble and stay out of the investigation but things go from bad to awful quickly when Grandma Ruth and Aunt Phyllis continue to get into trouble. Toni has to find out who is trying to hurt her family and solve the murder before someone else in her family is hurt or killed.


This is a fun book with so many things that you as the reader can relate too. The small town is one that reminds me of the small towns in my area where something in the community is always going on and everyone knows everything about everyone. The Oiltop gossip train runs swiftly through town just like other small towns. The characters make you think of people you know and people you would want to know. Grandma Ruth is feisty and always into something and trouble finds her all the time. She is opinionated, smart and she has away of pulling others along with her into trouble but you just love her and her ways. I love the big family and understand the fun and frustration of big families and Nancy captures this part of the story and it becomes a part of the mystery in a believable way. I think that is what I like about the series is that the people are real and the town, it's people, her bakery all fit and make the book and doesn't take away from the mystery.






This book has everything, a good mystery with an ending that is surprising, family, small town atmosphere, and a little bit of romance added in. This book will not disappoint. If you love mysteries and culinary cozies you have to read this book and series. The gluten free recipes that are included are wonderful too.


check out Nancy J Parra's website for more info on her and her books at
http://www.nancyjparra.com/
Be sure to pick up it comes out on May 6, 2014







Until NEXT TIME:


GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!


I received an advanced reader copy from the author for my honest opinion of this book.