Winter, it seems, has returned to Maine. For the past few days, the wind has been blowing hard, and the temperature, with the wind-chill factor, has been below zero. And that’s Fahrenheit, not centigrade.
When it is this cold, our wood furnace doesn’t really go through the night, and the house is pretty darned chilly when we get up in the morning—below 60°.
Another word we Mainers use to describe the cold is brisk, as in, it’s wicked brisk outside today.
And indeed it was brisk, brisk, brisk today, this Monday morning, when I made my tea and toast and headed to my office.
But something immediately warmed me up, and that was a review of Maya and the Book of Everything written by my blog friend Melissa, of The Aran Artisan. She is formerly a resident of Maine and now lives with her family on “Inis Mor, one of the Aran Islands in County Galway, located off the west coast of mainland Ireland.”
Melissa writes, “I was really looking forward to reading Maya and The Book of Everything by Laurie Graves in a way I hadn’t looked forward to reading a fiction book in a long time. Even though it’s a young adult fantasy novel and a gift to my 13-year-old daughter, something about the plot caught my attention. The cover art charmed me also and I ended up reading it before she did.
“The story begins in modern times America (coincidentally the same area where I grew up) and it centres around the young heroine Maya and the magical secret Book of Everything. In fulfilling her destiny to protect the book from an evil syndicate that would like to control and alter its purpose, she travels through time and space encountering dangerous situations and tough decisions at every turn. Many other compelling characters are superbly developed and contribute much to the plot which twists and weaves into such an intriguing storyline, I found it hard to put down. Talking books, a royal toad, a magic forest and Shakespearean references are just a few of the books creative highlights for me. The story grips you right out of the gate and continues straight through to the last page. In fact, the ending caught me by surprise as much as it did Maya and gave me the thought ‘this could easily be a movie’.”
Merci beaucoup, Melissa! What a great way to start the week.
Notes From the Hinterland 
Great review for a great book! I wholeheartedly agree with Melissa. 🙂
Me too!
Thanks so much!
A wonderful way to start the week!! 🙂
Yes, Shannon!
Great way indeed! How delightful! And how true, too! Way to go. Wouldn’t it be grand if your series were to become movies. Oh the places you’ll go!! XOXOXOXOXO
Excellent review. I totally agree. I was into it after one page – the character development was excellent – I was compelled to read until I knew what happened – AND I can’t wait for the next book. And YES – this should be a movie.
Aw, thanks so much, Jodie!
: )
Looks like a good book for a 12-year old I know.
Helen, twelve is the perfect age for reading “Maya and the Book of Everything.” Many thanks for thinking of my book!
She’s at that age when she won’t read it if she feels there’s any expectation of her to do so. So I’ll try to be smart!
I certainly understand. Even thought it was many years ago, I remember when my girls were that age.
What a wonderful review. I have a good friend who would probably love to read about Maya….and her birthday is coming up.
Thank you so very much for thinking of my book for a present for your friend!
Just got your fantastic book! I love it!!! 🙂
Many, many thanks for your support! Hope you enjoy the book.
Congratulations, Laurie
Thanks, Derrick!
: )
Everybody’s winter weather seems to have been concentrated in Maine this year! Congrats on your fine review!
What a lovely surprise for me to come across this post! I enjoyed the book so much, it was hard to be concise in reviewing, there was so more I could have said but am happy you are pleased with what I chose to highlight. It’s a beautiful book, Laurie, so much for you to be proud of!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your review really stirred up a lot of interest.
Maya travels across the ocean. How wonderful for her. It is a well deserved review and well written by Melissa. It warms the heart.
Beth, it is quite a thrill to think of Maya in Ireland!
I can’t believe I missed this book! I’ve only been a retired YA librarian for less than a year, and I am obviously losing my touch! I am off to buy a copy. I have to thank Melissa from Aran Artisan for the review. Having been down with the flu, I am behind on my blog reading, and just saw her post. Looking forward to it, Laurie.
Thanks so much! How lovely of Melissa to write such a nice review. Such a help getting the word out.