Review of Oliver and Jumpy Stories 49-52

Oliver and Jumpy, Stories 49-51 (Oliver and Jumpy, the Cat Series, Book 17): Old style cat cartoons with many animal adventures by Werner Stejskal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of OLIVER AND JUMPY STORIES 49-51 by Werner Stjeskal

The latest in the undeniably delightful story trilogies of the dignified top-hatted black-and-white tomcat Oliver,and his friendly companion, kangaroo Jumpy, has the duo exploring ice (and meeting a scary ice bear!), chasing mice, and encountering dragons. This series is enjoyable for elementary-age readers or for the younger "read to me" children.

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A CAT TO DIE FOR by Maria Grazia Swan__Review

A Cat to Die For by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of A CAT TO DIE FOR by Maria Grazia Swan
{Mina's Adventures #5}

Ah, this girl. Young lady. Orphaned, wealthy, hit-and-miss young lady. Surely there exists some psychological reasons why she clings to the hope of the unattainable. Maybe she has a secret passion for suffering (not likely). Maybe she just prefers the "bad boys." The love of her life, Diego, certainly is that. Either he is exquisitely, constantly undercover, or the man is a player. Either way the poor girl keeps gettting her heart wrenched out and stomped on, again and again and again, never realizing any bad habit can be broken eventually. Plus there's her inferiority complex: she's always felt far in the shade of the sunlight cast by big sister Paola.

Certainly her author, Maria Grazia Swan, positions Mina in the oddest, most far-fetched and unexpected travails. This time she opens a no-kill shelter, a totally admirable idea. Admirable until player Diego shows up, and of course, not alone. His appearance endangers Mina's beloved cat--and the catsitter--and the heiress. And of course, the one who always manages to throw herself into dangerous situations (remember the international arms smuggler?) is Mina. The heroine is just--feckless. almost comically so.

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ASHES OF AUTUMN by Maria Grazia Swan_Review

Ashes of Autumn by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of ASHES OF AUTUMN by Maria Grazia Swan
{Mina's Adventures #4}

Poor Mina..such an unhappy, melancholy, depressed little rich girl. Yes, family secrets had been hidden from her since before birth, so perhaps that is why whenever she "finds" someone (her mother, a boyfriend, then "the love of her life") either that person dies, breaks up with her, or does the intermittent disappearing act. Perhaps that is also why she is stoned in love with a man who admittedly (his own acknowledgment) offers no future, was at one time thought to be dead, shows up when he wants to, and does who-know-what almost all of the time, because certainly Mina sees him very rarely.

In this 4th book of her adventures in Orange County, California, the business owned and operated by her late mother will soon be sold, leaving Mina quite wealthy. Rooming with Margo, the company's receptionist, is sometimes fun but mostly an aggravation, so Mina sets out house-hunting for a place of her own, a real home, not an apartment, townhouse, or condo.

Of course, given the personality of our feckless heroine and the quite irresponsible Margo, they inadvertently mix up with an international arms smuggler wanted by many law enforcement agencies--and just perhaps Mina's elusive life-love is involved.

ASHES OF AUTUMN and Book 1, LOVE THY SISTER, which introduced Mina and sister/mother Paola, so far are my favourites of this series: very fast-paced, they had me turning the pages at a rapid rate.

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Review of HERE KITTY HERE by Madge Tovey_read-to--children

Here, Kitty, Kitty by Madge Tovey


Read to my 15 month old grandson. He loved it! Short easy sentences, delightful illustrations. We have an indoor dog (small) and an outdoor cat and he is fascinated with both.

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Review_ITALIAN SUMMER by Maria Grazia Swan

Italian Summer by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of ITALIAN SUMMER by Maria Grazia Swan [Mina's Adventures #3]

Our feckless heroine is spending the month of June in a condo in her home town of Veneto, Italy, while the professor-owner studies at USC. Mina sees it as a time to spend alone, visiting her beloved Nonna (grandmother)'s crypt, leaving flowers, and strolling the town and marveling over its changes. She is quickly befriended by Emilia, retired attorney and owner of the building, a lady who always wanted to be a divorce attorney, but because divorce was for so long not a legal option in Italy, defended gypsies instead. Mina's heartache over the failures with Brian, and mourning over Diego, continually threaten to overwhelm her, but naturally whereever Mina is, danger and deaths quickly appear. She may be naive, but this young woman is never assured of a secure and peaceful life.

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Review: AMELIE AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Review: AMELIE AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS A sweet story for children from young preschoolers through elementary readers, about a young girl [possibly agoraphobic] who completely refuses to go outside, ever, no matter the season or weather. Author and illustrator gently lead readers through the situation, the helpers, and potential outcomes, eventually to a happy solution

BOSOM BUDDIES by Maria Grazia Swan_Review

Bosom Bodies by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: BOSOM BODIES by Maria Grazia Swan

One would have thought that after the troubles and tribulations, the sorrow and grief, she suffered throughout the events of LOVE THY SISTER, twenty-something Mina Calvi would have matured out of her ingenuousness and become a little more--practical. But no. Mina is still her same erratic, unpredictable self, and so her troubles are still unending, and perhaps even more personally dangerous this time around. Oh, Mina! [Sigh] You aren't unlikable, but you sure are unfeasible.

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BODY VILLAGE Series by Justin Noble

Here are two illustrated books for young children in the Body Village Series, by Justin Noble, illustrations by Ann Bonin. Betty Bladder Makes a Big Decision by Justin Noble
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of BETTY BLADDER MAKES A BIG DECISION by Justin Noble
(Body Village Series for Children)

The Body Village children's series illustrates for young readers, in drawing and text, the inner workings of the human physiology. It also promotes cooperation, teamwork, friendship, as well as doing one's best to the best of our abilities, efficiency, and striving for the good of all.
In BETTY BLADDER MAKES A BIG DECISION, the topic of potty training and its rationale is illustrated when during the night shift, the Kidney Twins, Kerry and Kelly, shift so much Liquid Waste to Betty Bladder that she has no room for more. Repeated calls to Raymond Brain, who is extremely busy, unfortunately go unanswered, so Betty Bladder must make a big decision all on her own.

Suitable for young children of the read-to stage, and young elementary readers.

View all my reviews Nurse Vaccine by Justin Noble


NURSE VACCINE by Justin Noble (Body Village Series for Children)

The Body Village children's series illustrates for young readers, in drawing and text, the inner workings of the human physiology. It also promotes cooperation, teamwork, friendship, as well as doing one's best to the best of our abilities, efficiency, and striving for the good of all.
Raymond Brain calls a village meeting of all members of the Body Village to discuss an important matter of health: vaccinations. Explaining to each member what could happen in terms of illness, pain, and discomfort if the vaccines are not taken, he also encourages all members to consider the health of other Villages because many illnesses can be passed to others as well as be dangerous to ourselves.

Suitable for young children of the read-to stage, and young elementary readers.


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Spotlight: Mina's Adventures Series by Maria Grazia Swan

Author Info:
Maria Grazia Swan



Award winning author Maria Grazia Swan was born in Italy, but this rolling stone has definitely gathered no moss. She lived in Belgium, France, Germany, in beautiful Orange County, California where she raised her family, and is currently at home in Phoenix, Arizona.


As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for--ooh-la-la--haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people and pets find the perfect home. 

Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, Northern Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco. 

You can find out more by visiting her website

www.mariagraziaswan.com or connecting with her on

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/MariaGraziaSwan?ref=hl 


Series and Book Info:

Mina’s back! What? You haven’t heard of Mina? Well let me introduce you. Mina is the much loved and adventuresome heroine of the popular crime series by Maria Grazia Swan. She’ll take you all over the world and back.

Italian-born Mina Calvi lives in a mansion in idyllic Orange County, California. After a series of surprises, shocks, and upheavals, our ingenuous herorine strives to get her life, and her head, on straight. 

Watch for the reviews of Books 2-6, right here on Mallory Heart's Cozies, and don't miss the review of the first book in this charming cozy series, LOVE THY SISTER athttp://malloryheartscozies.blogspot.com/2016/07/love-thy-sister-by-maria-grazia-swann.html

LOVE THY SISTER by Maria Grazia Swan

Review: Love Thy Sister

Love Thy Sister by Maria Grazia Swan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Review: LOVE THY SISTER (Mina's Adventures #1)

What appeals to me the most about Mina is her ingenuousness. Try as she might (and periodically she does attempt to "fit in"), even at twenty-three, she still doesn't align with her sister (the only surviving family member), the Southern California laid-back facade lifestyle, nor employment, nor social interactions. I am not certain if it is her Italian nativity transposed to the hectic Orange County, California venue, or growing up in the shadow of a much-older half-sister who "has it all." Perhaps it's just Mina's personality, but the constant overtone of uncertainty and indecision, while it makes for fecklessness and a tendency to go headfirst into situations, tact tossed aside, renders her an appealing character, almost like a much younger sister one wishes to protect.

Author Info:
Maria Grazia Swan



Award winning author Maria Grazia Swan was born in Italy, but this rolling stone has definitely gathered no moss. She lived in Belgium, France, Germany, in beautiful Orange County, California where she raised her family, and is currently at home in Phoenix, Arizona.


As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for--ooh-la-la--haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people and pets find the perfect home. 

Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, Northern Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco. 

You can find out more by visiting her website

www.mariagraziaswan.com or connecting with her on

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/MariaGraziaSwan?ref=hl 


Series and Book Info:
Mina’s back! What? You haven’t heard of Mina? Well let me introduce you. Mina is the much loved and adventuresome heroine of the popular crime series by Maria Grazia Swan. She’ll take you all over the world and back. 
Italian-born Mina Calvi lives in a mansion in idyllic Orange County, California with her protective older sister, Paola. Unemployed again and aimless, Mina can’t seem to find her niche in her adopted country, but confusion and restlessness soon become the least of her problems. Someone is stealing from the software business owned by Paola and her husband, losses so great the business is sinking like the Titanic. And the strange death of a company employee turns out to be murder. Then, while, facing a loss so terrible she can’t bear it, Mina discovers an old family secret that turns her world upside down. There’s some solace in the arms of her blue-eyed lover, amateur sleuth Brian Starr, but danger still stalks her at every turn, edging closer and closer as Mina tries to untangle the web of lies, adultery and treachery, and put her life back together

Guest Post by Kelley Kaye, author of DEATH BY DIPLOMA

Guest Post for Mallory

     This is my first guest post for Mallory Hearts Cozies, for my debut cozy mystery Death by Diploma, so today I've been thinking about firsts. We are traveling in Seattle and Alice in Chains (Man in the Box) is playing on the radio, this great grungy song in the Grunge capital of the world--I was in college when this flannel-wearing, Nirvana-loving movement began, and I can hardly believe it's been over 25 years since that happened. A whole new genre of music: a 'first' for this area of the Northwest.

     We also just passed the Boeing factory, and I was commenting on the amazing thought processes of people looking at birds and saying, I want to do that too! And now it's happened. I think Leonardo Da Vinci even had a blueprint for an airplane in his drawings? I don't know if DaVinci was able to create  an actual plane or a working model of one, but at least the Wright Brothers figured it out. That 'first' has been so important to everyone.

   My late father, who opened the first used bookstore in the country, circa 1966, used to collect first editions of pulp fiction, or any first printings of his favorite book. He taught me how to spot a first edition--simply open past the title page and look at the little ditty telling you about the publisher and place of publication. If it just has a year, say 1976, and nothing else, it's a first edition. If you see multiple years or listings like 'first printing second printing', it is not. Fun useless trivia for my fellow lit lovers...😘

     The family trip I'm on right now is a whole boatload of 'firsts' for them too (not me, but that's another blog involving a disastrous one-minute marriage in my early 20's): first time in San Francisco, first time in Seattle's Pike's Market, first jaunt up to the top (well, almost top) of the Space Needle.




     These firsts are important for us as travelers, but also for me as a writer. Every time I hit the road, there're more opportunities to people-watch, eavesdrop (my favorite writing tool) blog, and just take myself out of my daily schedule, which is write, parent, write, market, write, parent, do laundry, lather, rinse, repeat. It's difficult to find the 'firsts' I want in that assembly line schedule.

     As writers, we all want to do something first, to write a story that's never been told, introduce a style that's never been seen. I taught Creative Writing for many years, and if I learned anything, it was to try and find a 'first' in the WAY I was telling my story. There are no storylines that haven't been done, in myth or legend (or probably by Shakespeare), but if I can give my characters a new way to react to an old problem, or a different setting in which to face that old problem (New occupation. New planet?) or if the characters who are facing the problem are different (new race, new gender, new orientation.) from the usual, then the story becomes its own brand of 'first'. For Death by Diploma, since it is first in the Chalkboard Outlines cozy series, the whole BOOK is about firsts. It's Emma's first time in Colorado for her first teaching job, after her first (hopefully only) divorce, and it's fer shure everyone at Pinewood High school's first MURDER, so there ya go: firsts galore!

     I've decided that if I can follow the best old adage regarding firsts--you know the one--Today is the FIRST Day of the Rest of Your Life, if I can live by that, then I'm doing okay.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaay BOOKS!

--Kelley Kaye

Review of DEATH BY DIPLOMA by Kelley Kaye

Death by Diploma by Kelley Kaye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of DEATH BY DIPLOMA by Kelley Kaye
(Chalkboard Outlines Book 1)

DEATH BY DIPLOMA is a warm cozy mystery with endearing characters, the kind of cozy that just makes a reader smile inside and feel happy, even a reader who is a cynical old harridan. Even though brand-new teacher Emma Lovett almost seems too good to be true, almost a little too ingenuous, her drive, ambition to inspire high school students to learn and to desire to learn, are admirable and heartwinning. Her friend Leslie, Department Head, is a treasure, and Melvin, the janitor, is expertly drawn as an individual who is possibly somewhat autistic, possibly schizophrenic, but winningly synesthesic. He also really impressed me as a person and a character. Wrapped in an intriguing mystery, DEATH BY DIPLOMA deserves reading for character and theme as well as for mysteriousness.

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Review_ANTS IN SPACE by G. J. Griffiths

Ants In Space by G.J. Griffiths
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Review: ANTS IN SPACE by G. J. Griffiths

First in a new children's series, this is a delightfully illustrated ants-as-aliens story. Two lucky little girls, sisters, discover in their garden aliens who resemble ants. The two girls get to travel on the spaceship to the alien planet, where they learn some science and are helpful. 

ANTS IN SPACE is a chapter book with illustrations. 

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Review: THE REGRETS OF CYRUS DODD by Bette Lee Crosby

The Regrets of Cyrus Dodd by Bette Lee Crosby
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Review: The Regrets of Cyrus Dodd by Bette Lee Crosby

For those times when i feel down, or just in need of book comfort, I and many other happy readers know just where to turn: to any novel from Bette Lee Crosby. Her very newest, THE REGRETS OF CYRUS DODD, is a fine example. Author Crosby has a writing style that is immediately relaxing yet riveting, and the reader finds attention locked to the page. Set in the fairly early 20th century, in rural West Virginia, this novel relates the story of dedicated farmer and husband Cyrus Dodd, a man who possessed so many intrinsic blessings, yet allowed pride to trip him up, and not just his own pride, but the pride of another. Like so many of us, Cyrus' moral integrity meant that when he was right, he knew it, and he expected everyone else to also know and acknowledge. But not every individual possesses integrity or even character; and when Cyrus' innate sense of justice encounters one of those individuals, he unwittingly steps into a damaging situation which unrolls like a snowball flying down a mountainside.

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