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How ‘The Rum Runner’ Caught Us On a Cliff (1 of 3)

The Rum Runner: The Legend of Captain John Stewart

By Doralynn Kennedy (Indie author, 2025)

Genre: Fiction/Gothic Romance

Pages (print): 530

Via: Author request

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book for honest review.

“Mercy with a mouth like a trap.”

Kimber: Okay, Mom. I give up. What’s a “gothic romance”?

Mom:  “Gothic romance” combines dark, suspenseful settings with intense, often forbidden love, blending horror, mystery, and passion. It’s often characterized by moody, atmospheric settings. Crumbling mansions. Haunted castles. Foggy forests. They shape the story’s tension, drama, and intrigue.

Kimber: You mean like a nice, thick juicy Porterhouse steak sizzling on the grill?

Mom. Sighs. Something like that.

Well, friends. We don’t usually gravitate toward “gothic romance.” But when we received a review request from author Doralynn Kennedy for her latest book, The Rum Runner: The Legend of Captain John Stewart, we accepted it on the strength of her prior work. A formidable author and prodigious writing talent, Kennedy has published in multiple genres, including romantic suspense, Gothic romance, Christian fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. We’ve reviewed a couple over the years, including Thirteen Miracles and The Mystery of the Fox Down Dog and Other Stories. Enjoyed them.

So even though we’re not really big “gothic romance” fans, we decided to take a chance on The Rum Runner and Book One: Cliff House. It’s the first book in a three-novel omnibus collection. We’ll get to the other books later. But were we ever surprised with Cliff House. Here’s the skinny:

When the past refuses to stay buried and an external hurricane mirrors an inner storm, love becomes a dangerous game of shadows and secrets in this deliciously moody and atmospheric read set in Maine.

The Plot

Caroline came to steal his secrets. But he stole her heart.

When Case Pharmaceuticals’ investigator Caroline Oliver arrives at a decaying mansion on the Maine coast as a hurricane closes in, she expects corporate secrets tied to rumors of immortal life. Instead, she finds a house that’s alive – and a man who should not exist.

Edward Kelly, rumored to be a long-dead Prohibition-era smuggler Captain John Stewart, is now a billionaire businessman of impossible age. Haunted by a century-old curse, he’s spent decades hiding from a past that refuses to stay buried. A hundred years earlier, a private nurse named Ruth Wilson stepped into his world of passion, smugglers, and secrets, and fell in love with a man the sea refused  to drown. Now the past and present collide.

Because some storms do not end with the water. Some follow a man ashore and wait for him in the dark...

The Rum Runner is a masterful, highly readable blend of spooky haunted house with a mind of its own, supernatural mystery, and a generational curse tied to Prohibition-era rum runner and Cliff House owner Captain John Stewart, aka: Edward Kelly. The historical context is – duh – rum running – and smuggling during the 1920s. This includes speakeasies, murder, mayhem, and one super creepy house help duo, Mr. and Mrs. Yardley.

It may be the first book we’ve read where a house is a main character. Like, sentient. Hungry. Jealous. And if Cliff House is a trap, what does that make Edward? Is he really flesh and blood or… something else?

The Rum Runner grabbed us in Chapter 1. Didn’t let go until the final page. As noted above, we’ve enjoyed Kennedy’s prior novels. But The Rum Runner is a whole new level of excellence and expertise. It’s Kennedy’s best work yet. And thoroughly un-putdownable. Like this:

Superb writing and masterful storytelling propel a plot that hits you with relentless momentum. The plot-punching narrative and dynamic characters combined with breathless pacing pour out a story that’s as smooth as a rum-soaked sunset. It’s also as creepy and compelling as the water-soaked beams and stones of Cliff House. The story creates a subtle but distinct line of rising tension and intrigue as we follow Caroline in and out of the rhythms of the house and the stories within while the “creep-out factor” soars into the stratosphere.

Haunting, mysterious and exceedingly eerie, The Rum Runner would make a great movie. (What’s Vincent Price or his progeny up to these days? Hmmm…) “We sail!”

Again, kindly note that this omnibus collection includes three novels. It’s a heavy lift, clocking in at over 500 pages. Book One, Cliff House, clocks in at 174 pages.

Cloaked in a shroud of secrets that echo through the story like ghosts of yesteryear, this exceptional gothic romance caught us on a cliff, haunting our thoughts long after we turned the last page.

We loved it! You will, too!

Our Rating: 4.0

Join us TOMORROW for our review of Book Two: Rum Runners. And don’t forget the Porterhouse! “Cut loose!”


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Why ‘Corvus’ Will Wing Its Way Into Your Heart

Corvus

By Shallen Anne Chitwood (Turtle Top Publishing, 2026)

Genre: Fiction/Children – Middle Grade

Pages (Print): 146

Via: Author Request

Note: we received a complimentary copy of this book for honest review.

Did you know that butterflies can taste with their feet? Yup. It’s a thing. Like a superpower. Did you further know that crows have “monocular vision”? That’s a thing, too. It means crows can look in two directions at the same time. Kinda like I, Kimber the Magnificent, can keep a close eye on a rib eye steak at the same time I’m watching a new, juicy burger. What?

Well, yes sirree, Lassie! One of us learned a lot in this charming and highly engaging new book by one of our favorite indie authors, Shallen Anne Chitwood. (Kimber: Her work is like, Totally PAWsome! Just sayin’. See our review of one of her previous books, Big Love and War Horse.) True to form, Chitwood delivers again in this heartwarming and heartfelt story about a crow who’s afraid to fly and his chatty caterpillar chum with a heart of gold. We Totally Love-if-ied this book. Here’s why:

Clarence is a caterpillar with big ideas. Corvus is a little crow with a big problem – he’s afraid to fly. Together, these unlikely friends discover a world full of surprises, danger, and change.

Winter is coming and a legendary one-eyed hawk is stalking the crow clan. With his family preparing to migrate south, Corvus must decide if he can trust his wings and himself. Can Clarence help Corvus face his fears and find the courage to fly before it’s too late?

As danger closes in, Corvus learns that help can come from mysterious allies and unexpected friends. And that sometimes, the greatest “magic trick” of all is… Oh, wait. To find that out, you’ll have to read the book yourself.

“You know, when crows are given their names, it has great meaning. Your name defines who you are and what you will become. It is your fate. At least, for crows it is.”

Narrated by Clarence, who’s one sharp cookie, Corvus is a delightful read. Themes include friendship and transformation. Kindness. Honesty. Loneliness. Loss. Family. Loyalty. Hope. Masterfully written with pitch-perfect pacing, the plot is propelled by superb story-telling skills. It’s a lithe and agile read, moving as fast as Golden Tempo around the final turn at the Belmont Stakes. Descriptions are rich and robust, creating a You Are There vibe like you’re smack dab in the midst of the action. And in this warm and wonderful read, there’s plenty! Indeed, this charming and engaging story will grab young readers at page one and keep them turning pages until the very end.

“Well, I’ll come find you and let you know it’s me. Friends for life, Corvus, that’s what we are.”

There’s also the cycle of life. Life purpose. Perspective. The fabled one-eyed hawk, Zenith. The distinguished Monarch Extraordinaire, “Clarence Silkwood the Fourth, MD, Ph. D, LLC, Esquire.” Kimber: How’s that for a mouthful? Can I eat it?  

“But Corvus’s battle was with fear, and fear is a formidable opponent.”

Scene stealers: Valia the Valiant and Lily Jane, famer’s daughter extraordinaire. And oh yeah. The illustrations by Michael Schulbaum? Que magnifique!

We also loved the way the author skillfully weaves fun and fascinating facts about science and nature into the story without sounding like school. Or even worse, homework. Like how crows have a special relationship with a farm, helping out “in ways that other animals can’t.” That includes eating grubs and bugs that would ruin a garden. And keeping the rodent population down. How ‘bout this: Did you know that crows don’t bury their dead? They might place sticks, leaves or pebbles near them, but they don’t bury them. But crows are also one of few animals that hold funerals, grieve and mourn the loss of their loved one. Handy-dandy sections at the end include Fun Facts for Curious Readers, Nature Notes, and Discussion Questions.

“But you’ll never know how something is gonna turn out unless you stick around to find out.”

Brimming with wit, whimsy, and wonder, Corvus is another winner. So, if you’re on the look out for a book for children ages 8 to 12 that’s uplifting, inspiring, and informative without feeling like a classroom lecture, grab a copy of Corvus. Now would be good.

“The truth is, if you put kindness out into the world, it usually comes back to you.”

On a personal note: We got interrupted while reading this book. Had to put it down for a few weeks due to external circumstances beyond our control. But when we returned to its pages, we found the story waiting patiently for us. Welcoming us back. Like an old friend. Or a really, really good dog (Mom: Don’t tell Kimmi I said that, okay? I’ll never hear the end of it!)  We finished the balance of the book in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down!

“He sat down next to me so I wouldn’t be alone. Sometimes that is the best thing you can do for a friend. Just be there.”

Finally, Corvus is one of the finest children’s books we’ve read since a pig named Wilbur and a clever barn spider named Charlotte. Or a “sheep pig” named Babe. We like, Totally Love-ified it! You will, too.

Our Rating: 4.5


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From Page to Power: Riding the Rieden Reece Rush

“Mom! Mom! Ya gotta meet my new BFF!” spake I, Kimber the Magnificent.

“You have a new BFF like, every day, Kimster.”

“What’s wrong with that? Cuz I love everybody! But this BFF is a major scene stealer in this new fantasy thingy for middle schoolers. It’s just your speed.”

“Tell me more!”

Kimber: “I knew Mom would say that. Cuz, ya know. Mom. (Insert eye roll here.) Anywho, that’s why I’m introducing you to my new BFF, Bess the pittie. From Matt Guzman’s seventh and final installment in the Rieden Reece series, Rieden Reece and the End Game. Let’s listen in, shall we?”

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 ‘Oday the Healer’: A Faith-Woven Fantasy of Second Chances & Survival

Oday the Healer

By E.B. Roshan

Genre: Christian Fiction

Pages (Kindle): 259

Via: Author Request

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book for honest review.

Southeast Europe, circa 900 A.D.

Kurosh is in desperate circumstances: a single mistake could cost him and his family their lives. His father, Rayis Sikandar, is among the most respected of the nomadic warlords, but he is very ill. If the Rayis dies, Kurosh must lead the clan in his stead-assuming he can prove his strength and escape his rival’s schemes.

Oday, the privileged heir of nobility and only Christian in his clan, joins his servants for the annual cattle drive. However, when he wakes one morning, his mind is full of a strange and vivid dream, a dream that convinces him God has given him power to be a Healer.

When the two boys meet unexpectedly, underlying tensions within their clans rise to the surface, and both must decide what is worth sacrificing for. Indeed, both Oday and Kurosh are outcasts of sorts – Kurosh due to his “fits” and Oday due to his faith. But the two boys more have more in common than meets the eye…

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“Unbreakable”: Empowering Aging or Overhyped?

Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging With Power

By Vonda Wright, MD

Genre: Nonfiction/Health

Pages (print): 231. Plus Three Appendices – Exercise Protocols, Dr. Vonda’s Dinner System and Favorite Unbreakable Recipes, Unbreakable Strategies for Managing Pain and Injury/. And References + and Index

Via: Library

This is one of those woo-hoo! books that everybody and their neighbor’s fluff ball are raving about. Like we care. In fact, we almost bought stock in No Doze to keep us awake plowing through this clunker. It’s one of the most over-hyped thing-a-mah-jigs we’ve ever read. Here’s why:

Read more: “Unbreakable”: Empowering Aging or Overhyped?

Written by an orthopedic surgeon and “longevity specialist” – whatever that means – this book claims it’s for all women wanting to live their best life long into their senior years. It’s especially helpful for postmenopausal women and offers “A 6-week program for lifelong strength and vitality.” It’s presented in three sections: 1) Preparing for Your Unbreakable Future; 2) Building Your Unbreakable Future; 3) Beyond Unbreakable. (Assessing Mitrochrondial Health. Kloto Levels. Exosomes and Placental Material. Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Plasamapheresis. About nine million different types of “therapies.” Zzzzzzzz.)

It’s dull as dirt.

It includes tons of medical and physiological info that gets pretty technical pretty fast. It offers 20 pages of healthy, nutritious recipes. Samples: Tuna and Zucchini Burgers. Balsamic Veggie and Beet Hummus Sandwich. Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon.

A big issue we had with this book is in Part Two: Building Your Unbreakable Future. The author uses an exercise acronym FACE. Flexibility/Mobility, Aerobic Activity, Carrying a Load and Equilibrium and Footspeed. Several of the exercises described are difficult to visualize and execute properly without illustrations. This section has none. Also, the author seems to assume that everyone has access to a gym, personal trainer, or physical therapist. Not.

The quantity, intensity and sheer volume of exercise sessions – sometimes 30 to 45 minutes with “10 minutes of light jogging or cycling” with “static stretching afterwards” – may be daunting to the point of overwhelming. Especially for beginners. For example, the “dynamic warm-up” is “ten simple movements” with multiple reps. These “should take you about 15 minutes.” That’s BEFORE and in addition to the session itself. The Day 1 Lower Body Workouts include 19 separate exercises, with about 10 reps and 4 sets of each. Kimber: Gag me with arugula!

Additionally, the author is big on jumping. As in, BIG jumps. As in, risk breaking your face or something else kinda jumps.

This book was a big disappointment. Our biggest beef? Unless you have an orthopedist or personal trainer in your hip pocket, Unbreakable isn’t particularly user-friendly. It feels clunky. With a boatload of technical mumbo-jumbo and doctor-ese that’s gonna make some readers run for the hills. Readability is also an issue.

Yea, verily. Nothing says ‘aging with power” like a book that cures insomnia by Chapter 2. Mom likes to think of it as the ultimate guide to napping with authority. So there!


Our Rating: 1.5

Recommended instead: Dr. Lisa Moore, DPT, and Brick House Bones. Check out her 90-minute online workshop: Journey to Fracture-Proof. And her You Tube channel. Less fear. More Strength.


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Paws, Patients, and Pure Grit Discovered in ‘So You Want To Be a Veterinarian’

Kimber the Magnificent here. With a true-life story. About Yours Truly. It’s real short. But it’s relevant to this review. So kindly keep you hair on, pal. Goes like this:

Awhile back Her Royal Momness looked out the window into the yard. She noticed I was limping. Mom ran outside like a shot from a cannon. Found my front paw was all bloody. No idea what happened or how. Just Too. Much. Blood. After recovering from her heart attack, Mom got the neighbor kid to help carry me into the house. Then we called Dr. Dan. He’s my doctor. We set a new land-speed record racing over to Dr, Dan’s place (don’t tell anyone, okay?). And Dr. Dan and his helpers took care of me. Bandage. Pain meds. Anti-biotic thingies. Observation. They even got me this little plastic bootie for my foot. To protect my bandage from getting wet. Mom had to tie it on my foot every time I had to go outside. So annoying. But it worked. And about a week and half later-ish, I was up and running and zooming all over creation, like usual! So yea, Dr. Dan!

Still with me? Good! I’m telling you this because I wanted to let you know that I was not scared at Dr. Dan’s place. That’s because I love Dr. Dan! He talks real soft and slow. I see him twice a year (that foot ouchie was a “seismic anamoly.” No idea what that means. It’s just what Mom said, okay?) At my usual check-ups, Dr. Dan says. “How’s my sweet girl today?” His face is all smiley and his voice is happy when he says that. I like Dr. Dan because Dr. Dan likes me! He also remembers I like the bacon-flavored treats best. Dr. Dan is one of my favorite-est hoomans in the whole world. (He’s not Mom. But, hey. Who is?)

So when Mom got a review request for this little’uns book about how they can be a veterinarian like my good buddy Dr. Dan, I said “Take it!” The world needs more Dr. Dans. I’ll let Mom fill you in on the rest:

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Why ‘The Colonel’s Revenge’ Will Make Your Mom Forget Dinner Time

The Colonel’s Revenge

A Mateus de Silva Adventure (Koehlerbooks, 2026)

By Jeffrey K. Schmoll

Genre: Fiction – Action/Adventure

Pages (Print): 252

Via: Author’s request

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

“Revenge is a dish best served cold” – Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

So. You may want to break out your winter gear and an extra blankie for the newest action/adventure book by Jeffrey Schmoll. Cuz we’re talkin’ Edmond Dantes-esque revenge here as expert writing, pitch-perfect pacing and a lightning-fast plot race across pages and places like a runaway freight train in The Colonel’s Revenge.

Yeppers, this story has it all. Unusual settings: Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Friends lost on the battlefield. Diamonds, gems, treasure. A desperate fight for survival in a brutal, illegal gold mine. Losing a family. Finding a grandson. Love. Loyalty. Betrayal. Second chances. And enough high-octane adventure to send you into orbit. I’ll let Mom tell ya more. (Cuz, ya know. Mom. Insert eye roll here.)

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Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact: How ‘Kindness Heroes’ Ignites Hope

You gonna eat that?

Kimber here. Saying you might want to stock up on tissue before tackling one of the best non-fiction books we’ve read all year. It’s Jackie Kurtz’s Kindness Heroes: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things. Cuz we just finished it. And Mom is doing that sniffly, sparkly-eyed thing. Again. Cuz, ya know. Mom. (Insert eye roll here.)

We received a complimentary copy of this book for honest review.

I’ll let Mom tell ya more:

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Deck the Halls with Deadly Secrets in This Seasonal Whodunit

The Christie’s: A Christmas Murder 1984

By Daryl Smith (Indie author, 2026)

Genre: Fiction/Murder Mystery/Christian Fiction

Pages: (print): 148

Via: Author Request

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book for honest review.

It’s Christmastime in 1984 Dearborn, Michigan. High Schooler James Christie is attending a Christmas Eve party. Ex-San Francisco detective/ace private investigator Johnny Wong is also attending the party at the Christie mansion. It’s a good thing the detective is in attendance. Because when industrial magnate and family patriarch David Christie falls dead at said party shortly after changing his will, the hunt for the killer is on in this faith-flavored seasonal whodunit.

There’s also superstition. Strange things that go bump in the night. The Christie family curse. Missing pictures. The Third Army. Suicide. Microchips and Silicon Valley. A gold pen. An ancient pact.

This book moves well and is an interesting read. It’s packed with plenty of misdirections, red herrings, and clever clues. It’s a good effort. The cover art is terrif! But it’s not yet ready for prime time. Here’s why:

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3 Surprising Packages of Hope

Kimber here. I bet you think Her Crankiness is… 100% cranky, right? So do I. (Don’t tell Mom, okay? Let’s just keep this our little secret.)


But every once in a while Mom surprises me. Not that I’m surprise-able. But …


Wait. Where was I?



Oh yeah. Mom and I read a trio of books recently that were … surprising. They were quite different from each other, too. Think dogs and cats. (Well, okay. Maybe not cats. But you get the picture.)


Anyway, the first book is a delightful Christian romance from Kim Vogel Sawyer. The second is a non-fiction “travel tome with a twist” from Joseph F. Smith, M.D. There’s also an historical fiction novel by Kristin Hannah.


All get an Official Thumbs Up from Her Crankiness. Here’s why (short version):


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