Book Tour: Altered (Justin Wright Suspense Series Book 1) by Rob Kaufman

 

Book Details:

​Book Title: ALTERED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 1) by Rob Kaufman

Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 270 pages

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense 

Publisher:  Rob Kaufman

Release date:  May 2023

Content Rating: PG-13 +M: ALTERED has a few profanities and alludes very subtly to abuse but never gets graphic or says the words. "Trauma" is used by Justin, the psychiatrist.​

Book Description:

When Frank Devlin walks into Justin Wright's office, the renowned New York City psychiatrist decides to take on one of the most challenging cases of his career. 

Justin is determined to help Frank, a young man with multiple personalities (“alters”), live a happier, more fulfilling life. Little does he know that Frank and his alters are secretly weaving themselves into Justin’s life in ways that will affect the Wright family forever. 

A suspense-filled story driven by emotion, angst, and the ultimate revenge, “Altered” takes readers down a twisted path of uncertainty and mind games—leaving them shocked, heartbroken, and questioning what could possibly come next...​

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CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES:

Book Details:

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Book Title: JADED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 2) by Rob Kaufman
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 246 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: March 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 +M 

Jade, a beautiful young woman suffering from depression and despair, is trying to escape her past… a former life that catches up with her during every full moon. Justin’s biggest obstacle to helping her is Jade herself. The closer he gets to the root of her problems, the further away she pushes him — leaving Justin questioning both her sincerity and his own professional skills.

As with “Altered”, this novel is packed with suspense and emotion, mainly due to people from Justin’s past, including Frank Devlin, the man who has made himself the bane of the Wright family’s existence.

Once again, readers are led down a road that keeps them wondering what is real, who did what, ad when will Justin and his family finally find the peace they deserve? 

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Book Details:

Book Title: AVENGED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 3) by Rob Kaufman
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 256 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: June 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 +M

SO MANY THINGS START TO MAKE SENSE IN "AVENGED" — BOOK 3 of the Justin Wright Suspense Series.

It all starts with Richard Davis, Justin's new patient seeking help for uncontrollable anger and hostility. He can barely walk a New York City street without exploding at the people around him. Can Justin relieve him of his negativity or is he too consumed with his own son Michael — a boy found after seven years in captivity who is now void of any compassion or joy?

As with the first two books, "Avenged" is teeming with emotion and suspense, not only because of Richard Davis and Michael's issues but because Frank Devlin and Jade continue to haunt Justin and Mandy from afar. As with all Rob Kaufman books, readers get the ride of their lives on a roller coaster of thrills and uncertainty until the very last page.

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Book Details:

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Book Title: SCARED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 4) by Rob Kaufman
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 266 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: Jan 2024
Content Rating: PG-13 +M

IT’S BEEN 15 YEARS SINCE JUSTIN’S NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE, and life has changed dramatically for the Wright family.

Michael, now a psychologist, has a past that’s catching up with him at the same time an unsatisfied patient is planning his revenge. Justin, now practicing from his home office, has a patient consumed by the fear of death — a young man scared of just about everything — including fear itself.

As both father and son deal with their patients’ problems and their own internal challenges, they also struggle daily with Mandy’s health issue, a potentially deadly illness that threatens to take away the most important woman in their lives.

Like every other Justin Wright book, “Scared” brings you into a suspense-filled world loaded with emotion, uncertainty and, of course, mind games. It’s a story rife with complicated people, some who are not only vengeful, but scared — of both life...and death.

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Book Details:

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Book Title: DECEIVED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 5) by Rob Kaufman
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 250 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: May 2024
Content Rating: PG-13 +M

IN THE MIDST OF THEIR GRIEF, THE WRIGHT FAMILY IS PUSHED TO THEIR LIMITS by a stranger who will change their lives forever.

A single phone call sets off a chain of events that will test Justin’s every belief.

When a mysterious woman claims kinship, Justin’s instincts scream deception. But when they meet, her mesmerizing appearance shatters his doubts, unveiling a truth he never saw coming.

Justin keeps the woman’s existence hidden from Michael as his son grapples with a relentless stalker, a malicious wife, and a patient who suffers from a compulsive disorder — an affliction that leads her down a path from which she’ll never return.

In this fifth Justin Wright novel, secrets collide and loyalties are tested with unexpected twists that propel you deep into a world of suspense and intrigue where nothing — and no one — is as it seems.

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Book Details:

Book Title: REVEALED (JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES Book 6) by Rob Kaufman
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 250 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Rob Kaufman
Release date: Sep 2024
Content Rating: PG-13 +M 

IN THE GRIPPING CONCLUSION OF THE JUSTIN WRIGHT SUSPENSE SERIES, every burning question and hidden secret comes to light.

As time marches on, the Wright family faces numerous changes, yet one mystery endures: the whereabouts of Daniel. Was Monica responsible for his disappearance? Should Benji be implicated, or has Barb wrongly accused him?

Haunted by echoes of his own past abduction, Michael grapples with his son’s absence, while also trying to help a patient plagued by Paranoid Personality Disorder—a man whose deep mistrust challenges Michael in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, Justin contends with the prison release of Richard Davis, something that rekindles old fears and compels him to constantly watch his back.

This sixth and final book brings you on the most suspenseful journey yet, one that concludes with events that will change the Wright family forever. It’s a story of psychological thrills and mystery that carries you into the past, the future, and back to the present, all told through the eyes of someone you might consider a stranger—or would you?

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Meet the Author:

Rob Kaufman is a celebrated psychological thriller author, known for crafting emotionally intense stories that delve into the human psyche. With a degree in Psychology, he weaves his deep understanding of human behavior into gripping narratives filled with relatable characters and compelling twists. 

Fascinated by what drives people toward darkness while seeking love and acceptance, Rob explores the fine line between good and evil. His novels aren’t just suspenseful—they unravel everyday events that spiral into extraordinary psychological dramas.

Readers become deeply invested in his characters, experiencing a range of emotions from laughter to heartbreak. His books have earned national and international acclaim for their unique, thought-provoking storylines and masterful plotting.

Beyond writing, Rob actively engages with readers, sharing insights into his creative process and the psychological depths of his characters. His commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance continues to captivate audiences, cementing his place as a compelling voice in psychological thrillers.

connect with the author: website ~ X ~ facebook ~ instagam ~ goodreads

My Review:

Once I had heard about new to me author, Rob Kaufman, and his Justin Wright Suspense Series, I instantly knew I had to read it. I was honored to have that opportunity by reading the first book of the series, Altered. I was far from being disappointed. I enjoyed getting to know Justin Wright and taking this adventure with him. This story took me in so many of twists, turns, and directions, I never knew what was going to happen next from scene to scene, from chapter to chapter. It was full of suspense, danger, and mystery. I wanted to keep going until the very end to find out how it would all end for Justin. 

I had the pleasure of listening to the audio version of Altered. I loved the voice of the narrator, Al Pagano. I thought his performance was fun and entertaining to listen to. It was great hearing this tale being brought to life. 

I am going to give Altered a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for fans of Psychological Thriller and Suspense. I can not wait to get my hands on the next installment from the Justin Wright Suspense Series to see what author, Rob Kaufman, has in store for Justin Wright. I am eagerly looking forward to it.

I received an audio version of Rob Kaufman's Altered from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Book Tour and Review: The Antique Picker's Daughter by Melanie Dugan

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Antique Picker's Daughter by Melanie Dugan

Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  250 pages

Genre: general fiction, literary fiction

Publisher: Inanna Publications & Education Inc.

Release date:  September 2026

Content Rating: PG-13 + M: because of mature themes (youth homelessness and human trafficking), and physical abuse, some rough language.  ​

Book Description:

​“The first thing you need to know: They’re not antiques.

The second thing you need to know: I’m not his daughter.”

Abandoned first by her father, and then by her mother, Frankie has been left in the care of her deeply religious grandmother. When her grandmother’s religious convictions tip into delusion, Frankie decides to run away.

Life on the street in Toronto is hard, and with winter coming, it gets tougher. This is when Frankie first meets Francis, a man old enough to be her father. He starts training her in “the game,” as she comes to call it; buying, stealing, and reselling “inventory” at inflated prices. Through winter, spring, and early summer, the two become a team, traveling around small towns and villages in southern Ontario.

As Frankie discovers, life on the road holds dangers she can’t anticipate, and her precarious world tips into disaster when Francis abandons her in an unfamiliar town. Betrayed, alone, and deserted, Frankie realizes she’s in a dangerous situation — will she be able to find her way out on her own?

The Antique Picker’s Daughter explores youth homelessness, human trafficking, and one young woman’s search for safety.

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Meet the Author:

Melanie Dugan is the author of Sometime Daughter (“A stunning debut,” The Kingston Whig-Standard), Revising Romance (“…heartwarming, amusing, and…downright sexy,” Midwestern Book Review), Dead Beautiful (“Artful and funny,” Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer), Bee Summers (“…a carefully wrought portrayal of the way we carry trauma with us through life,” Brenda Schmidt, Quill & Quire), and Hard White (“It is a very compelling and beautifully-crafted story…I highly recommend it,” Skeleton Press).

She lived in Boston, Toronto and London, England, before settling in Kingston, Ontario, where she now lives.

She has worked in libraries and bookstores, and was Associate Publisher at Quarry Press in Kingston, and also served as Managing Editor for Poetry Canada, Quarry Magazine and Canadian Fiction Magazine. 

In 2009 she was promotions director for the inaugural Kingston WritersFest.

She has studied writing with Leon Rooke, Keath Fraser, Kim Moritsugu, Helen Humphreys and Anita Rau Badami.

Her short stories have been shortlisted for several awards including the CBC Literary Award.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads

My Review:

The Antique Picker's Daughter: A Novel is my first experience to reading by the new to me author, Melanie Dugan. I have to admit that it took a few chapters in to get used to the author's writing style and to understand as to what was happening. It did get a little confusing with the names at times, too. Once I caught on, I was hooked. It was a tale of a young teenaged girl, Frankie, who becomes homeless and having to travel throughout small towns in the southern part of Ontario. When her traveling companion, Francis, disappears, she has to find ways to survive on her own. I admired her bravery and courage as she navigates this new heart breaking life she was thrown into. I often wonder if she will figure out where she belongs. The story is full of adventure, thought provoking scenes, action, and danger. I wanted to read all the way to the end to find out what would become of her in the end.

I am going to give The Antique Picker's Daughter: A Novel four stars. I believe fans of general and literary fiction about urban life. I would be interested in reading more from the talented author, Melanie Dugan, in the near future.

I received a paperback advanced reader copy of Melanie Dugan's The Antique Picker's Daughter: A Novel from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Spotlight and Giveaway: As a Bride in the Wilderness by E J Ashmore

About the Book

Book: AS A BRIDE IN THE WILDERNESS

Author: EJ Ashmore

Genre: Biblical Fiction, young adult

Release Date: January 10, 2026

Eliza is sure happiness has arrived. She and her family, never to be separated again, join the rest of her people on the road to a land filled with milk and honey. A land to call home. Even better, Seti, the love of her life, has joined her people, pledged allegiance to her God, and vowed to marry her.

But life isn’t that simple. Not only are her plans disrupted by a detour into the great unknown, but she has suffered a severe concussion, thanks to Seti. Her people and her family, though loveable, prove to be a squabbling mess, and Seti, can’t stay out of trouble. Freedom is not so easy. Who is she really, and how does a free woman act?

Seti, an Egyptian, once had everything, or so he thought. He willingly gave it all up for Eliza and her God. Now reduced to an outcast sleeping outside his best friend’s tent, he has no money and no way to prove himself acceptable to Eliza’s family or her people. For the first time ever, he is filled with insecurity and fear. Fear of losing Eliza to his foolishness, but most of all, fear of disappointing the God who saved him. Yet, his every decision leads to disaster.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

EJ Ashmore is a wife, mother, and nurse, with a passion for young believers who are searching for answers about God. Whether it be what God wants, who He is, or why He does some of the things He does, she seeks to use ordinary, relatable characters to illustrate God’s unwavering faithfulness and devotion even to those who feel unworthy or invisible.

 

 

 

 

More from EJ

Why I wrote this:

This all began when my teenage son couldn’t grasp why God would harden Pharaoh’s heart and then punish him for it. But then I read Joel Richardson’s Sinai to Zion, and how  God’s love story for His people (Israelite or Gentile/Christian) is framed after ancient Jewish wedding customs and how God designed marriage to mirror His desired relationship with His people.

But I also wanted to reach young girls who felt as I did as a teenager: ugly, unworthy, a constant failure, insecure, and constantly bullied. God seemed to hear everybody else but me. But God’s love story is for the individual as much as for a nation. He pursues, He gets the girl, He proves His worthiness again and again, and He builds her up as His beautiful bride who He will have an intimate relationship with.

Add in the depravity of humanity who barely know their God, stuck in a desert with nothing to do and have no idea how to act not only as free people but as people of God, yet God chooses them and loves them and wants to live in their midst.

I deeply desire for my reader to come away from this pondering how God pursued and pursues them in their own lives, and have a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of the why God does what He does.

Blog Stops

Books Less Travelled, September 15

Simple Harvest Reads, September 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17

Artistic Nobody, September 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 19

Guild Master, September 20 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Pilgrim, September 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 21

Fiction Book Lover, September 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 23

The Bookish Ledger, September 24 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, September 25 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, September 26 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 26

Lily’s Corner, September 27

Books, Books, & More Books, September 28 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, EJ is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/cQ41F/as-a-bride-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Spotlight and Giveaway: Secrets of the Desert Rose by Marilyn Turk

About the Book

Book: Secrets of the Desert Rose

Author: Marilyn Turk

Genre: Dual Timeline

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Three Women. Two generations. Their friendship survived the war. Their secret survived even longer.

Monique and Audrey, one French and one British, grow up in French Algiers on the coast of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Best friends, they keep each other’s secrets into adulthood when World War II changes their world and Algiers sides with the Hitler-based Vichy government. Audrey joins Charles DeGaulle’s resistance army, the French Foreign Legion, while Monique stays to work in the underground resistance aiding the Allied invasion of North Africa.

In present day, American born great-granddaughter Nicole, a graduate student in archaeology, goes to North Africa for an internship. The now centenarian Monique (Mimi), debilitated by a stroke, urges her to find the Desert Rose. Nicole finds different types of desert roses, but none are the right one until she stumbles onto information that hints the desert rose might not be a flower after all. While Sami, her instructor in Algiers, helps her find the desert rose, he also has to protect her from people who want the heirloom ring Nicole wears which has its own secret.

Will Nicole find the secret before it’s too late?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Marilyn Turk has written over twenty historical and contemporary novels and novellas laced with suspense and romance. She especially likes writing World War II era books, and loves to discover information not widely known for her stories. In addition to fiction, Marilyn is also an annual contributor to Guideposts’ Walking in Grace and other Guideposts anthologies.

Marilyn enjoys helping other writers and founded the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers, AWSA, Word Weavers International and the United States Lighthouse Society.

Marilyn’s most recent books have been Secrets of the Desert Rose, The Escape Game set in World War II, and a novella, The Gilding of Minnie Tucker, set in The Gilded Age..

She and her husband Chuck have a blended family of four sons, one daughter and four grandsons whom they enjoy spending time with.  Marilyn and Chuck are lighthouse enthusiasts and have visited over 100 lighthouses in the United States and other countries. They also served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine. As a result of her interest in lighthouses, Marilyn wrote Lighthouse Devotions, 52 Inspiring Lighthouse Stories.

More from Marilyn

Why did I write Secrets of the Desert Rose by Marilyn Turk

Because I enjoy reading novels set during World War II, I also enjoy writing them. Most of the novels I’ve read are set in Europe – England, France, and surrounding countries. But we know the war impacted the whole world, so I look for stories set in places we don’t know much about.

Why did I set this book in North Africa? My sister-in-law’s mother was French and was born and lived in Algiers until sometime during World War II. Unfortunately, I waited too long to ask her about it, even though she lived to the age of 94. However, she left journals which gave insight into her life in Algiers and opened my eyes to what happened there before and during World War II. Monique is modeled on her stories.

While researching Algiers though, I came across another woman who was British and also played a role in North Africa during the war. Her name was Susan Travers, and her autobiography provided more interesting information. Although the two real women may have never met, her life was the basis for Audrey’s character.

I always find historical surprises when I research a novel and discovering the story of Cleopatra Selene was fascinating to me, so I had to include her in the book as well. And since there was so much secrecy involved in the true stories, I thought my characters needed secrets of their own, and my present-day character, Nicole, would have to discover them.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 11

Sylvan Musings, September 12

Simple Harvest Reads, September 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 14

Artistic Nobody, September 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 16

Guild Master, September 17 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 17

For Him and My Family, September 18

Fiction Book Lover, September 19 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 20

The Bookish Ledger, September 21 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, September 21

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, September 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 23 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, September 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marilyn is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/nuBqc/secrets-of-the-desert-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Tour: Miya's Mooncakes by Crystal Z. Lee

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Miya's Mooncakes by Crystal Z. Lee

Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  40 pages

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publisher: Balestier Press

​Publication Date: June, 2026.

Tour dates: Sep 8 to Sep 28

Content Rating: G

Book Description:

It's almost time for Miya's favorite holiday, the Mid-Autumn Festival. She loves all the holiday traditions: moon gazing, lighting lanterns, and best of all, baking and eating mooncakes! Miya notices that many in her town seem to have lost the holiday spirit lately, including those in her school and in her family. Miya has an idea to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in a more meaningful manner this year. It will involve some extra special mooncakes and the entire neighborhood. Can Miya pull it off in time for the festival?

​This is a story of ingenuity, empathy, creating new traditions while honoring old ones. It's also an ode to neighbors, immigrants, and all those that make up a community!

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Meet the Author:

Crystal Z. Lee is a writer who divides her time between the U.S. and Asia. She is an avid traveler. Her favorite travel memories include island hopping in Italy, hiking the Ever White Mountain near the border of North Korea, sipping afternoon tea in Portuguese palaces and Irish castles, admiring Peranakan tiles in Singapore, sailing in the Aegean Sea, trekking on a biblical archaeological expedition in Türkiye, voyaging to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and making mooncakes and pineapple cakes in Taiwan. Her stories are often inspired by her journeys. Besides children's books, Crystal's other published works consist of poetry and a novel. She is also the author of Pei's Pineapple Cakes, Mei's Mermaid Mission, Kai the Dancing Butterfly, A Unicorn Named Rin, and Love and Other Moods.

​connect with the author: website ~  instagram ~ goodreads

Author Interview:

-Tell us about the journey the protagonist Miya takes in Miya’s Mooncakes.

It’s almost time for Miya’s favorite holiday, the Mid-Autumn Festival. Miya notices that many in her town seem to have lost the holiday spirit after an incident. Inspired by a Mid-Autumn Festival legend, Miya comes up with a plan to make the holiday more meaningful this year. Throughout this journey, not only does Miya grow in empathy, so do many in her community!

-What sort of lessons or values can the story in Miya’s Mooncakes impart?

This is a story of empathy, kindness and courage. It’s also an ode to neighbors, immigrants, and all those that make up a community. At a time when it seems like the world is becoming more and more divisive, I hope we can help our children realize that we’re all more alike than not. I wrote this story to spark a discussion surrounding these topics. 

-Miya’s Mooncakes is a story about the Mid-Autumn Festival. Were you inspired by your own family traditions of celebrating this holiday when writing this book?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a big holiday in our household. Growing up in Taiwan, I have fond memories of learning the holiday legends, making lanterns at school, tasting and exchanging mooncakes with relatives and friends. It’s a huge celebration among the Chinese diaspora. 

-The book cover of Miya’s Mooncakes is a detailed and exquisite work of art. Tell us about it.

The cover of this book is meant to resemble a mooncake box. The illustrator, Allie Su, really brought this concept to life. Oftentimes the mooncakes box packaging is valued just as much as the actual mooncake itself. 

-What are you interested in writing about in the future? 

One of my favorite genres to read and write in are short stories collections. I hope someday to write one myself!

-Your first book was published six years ago. How did you first get into writing? 

My previous career was in public relations where I had to write many press releases and corporate materials. It was during this time I yearned for a creative outlet so I would write fiction on the side. Later, I took writing and publishing courses at Stanford University and attended literary events whenever I could. Nowadays I’m perpetually working on some type of manuscript.

-What are some of your writing habits that help you produce good work?

For me personally, reading and writing is a muscle I have to exercise daily. I think the act of writing also requires a degree of hope and faith. There are some days I can feel discouraged if I don't like what I’ve written or if a story just isn’t working out. But it’s important to stay positive, pray and get right back up. I always think of a poor draft as a potential gem waiting to be polished. 

-At what age did you aspire to become an author?

I was around thirteen years old when I moved internationally and had to contend with a complete change in environment, school, friends, and everything I was familiar with. It was a volatile time for me and my escape was in books and libraries. I think that’s when I first became interested in writing and in literature.

-Out of all the characters in your children’s stories, including non-human ones, which is your favorite?

Miya’s Amah in Miya’s Mooncakes is a favorite because I wrote this character as a composite of my own grandmas and mom. I’m also fond of the pirate in Mei’s Mermaid Mission because he’s a teachable character. It’s my hope that children can learn that it’s okay to make mistakes, even if they are hurtful ones, as long as one can admit to it and be committed to change. 

-Many of your children’s books seem to be travel-themed. Why is that? 

Our planet is vast with so many wonderful, varied and creative cultures. I hope to raise global citizens and to teach my children empathy, respect and appreciation for all people.

Meet the Illustrator:

Allie Su grew up in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She often finds her illustration inspiration from the great outdoors. One of her favorite places to hike in Taiwan is Sun-Link-Sea Forest in Nantou. She adores Taiwanese cuisine and night market foods, such as stinky tofu, vegetarian noodles and taro pastries from Taichung. Allie also illustrated Mei's Mermaid Mission and Kai the Dancing Butterfly.

My Review:

I found that Crystal Z Lee's Miya's Mooncakes to be a fun filled book to read. Though it is marketed for the younger readers, I still greatly enjoyed following Miya as she prepares for the upcoming festivities of Mid Autumn Festival. She wants her family and friends to, also, be as excited as she is. It was sweet watching her determination to get all involved and how making mooncakes become special for her. I loved the lessons learned that all - young and old - can learn from. A wonderful little read.

Miya's Mooncakes is beautifully illustrated by the talented artist, Allie Su. Their pictures were so vibrant and colorful. I believe they were a perfect addition to the story and a great way for the youngest of readers to keep their attention on the pages being read to them. A beautiful way to read this book while seeing these illustrations.

I am going to give Miya's Mooncakes a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of five and eleven. I think it would make a great addition to public libraries, as well as, elementary school classroom shelves. I would love to see what other books Crystal Z. Lee has written prior, as well as, those that will be soon released.

I received soft cover copy of Crystal Z. Lee's Miya's Mooncakes from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.