Blog Tour and Giveaway: Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal

 

Spooky season is almost here! Today, I’m excited to share Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal by Ryan Cowan, a new chapter book that's perfect for this time of the year. With 31 chapters, it's ideal for counting down to Halloween—one chapter each day!

The book also has a companion activity book created by Ryan Cowan, an experienced educator. Designed for students in grades 3–5, it’s a fun way to count down to Halloween while building reading comprehension skills. How fun is that?

 

Learn More About the Book: 

 

Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal

Written by Ryan Cowan | Illustrated by Halo Rife

Ages: 8-12 | 252 Pages

Publisher: For the Northern Star Publishing (2019) | ISBN-13: 979-8351181905 (Hardback) and 978-1097952779 (Paperback)

Publisher's Book Summary: "Elliott attends his third-grade class like any other boy, except that Elliott isn't like any other boy. Endowed with magical powers, Elliott belongs to a secret world called Moonstone—and trouble is brewing. When the evil witch Noir steals The Halloween Crystal, it's up to Elliott and his third-grade teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, to stop Noir from invading the non-magical world on Halloween night. But can Elliott learn to master his powers in time? Designed with 31 chapters so that parents, teachers, and students can read one chapter a day throughout the month of October!"

You can purchase your own copy of Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal at Bookshop and Amazon. To learn more about Ryan Cowan, connect with him on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and his Amazon Author page. 

 

 

 

Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal: Activity Book/Novel Study – Grades 3-5 

Written by Ryan Cowan | Illustrated by Halo Rife

Ages: 8-12 | 71 Pages

Publisher: For the Northern Star Publishing (2021) | ISBN-13: 979-8761758414

Publisher's Book Summary: "A Novel Study for Improving Reading Comprehension: This activity book includes a series of lessons designed to accompany the award-winning, middle grade book, Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal. The standards-based questions cover all levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and are appropriate for grades 3-5. Complete one lesson a day for 31 days leading up to Halloween!"

You can purchase the Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal Activity Book at Amazon and Teachers Pay Teachers.  

 

The Giveaway:

 

I've partnered with Ryan Cowan to host an exciting giveaway. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a signed Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal book set! Click the above graphic to enter the giveaway.

Ten winners will each receive a signed hardcover copy of the novel paired with its companion Activity Book. One grand-prize winner will receive an exclusive Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal T-shirt, plus a signed, out-of-print copy of the original edition featuring its original cover design.  Good luck!

Book Review: The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

Pages: 464

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: September 15, 2026

Publisher: Little, Brown, and Co.

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Authors: The Academy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "It's the start of another school year at Tiffin, with our favorite characters from The Academy returning for senior year - "sixth form" in Tiffin‑speak - a time of college admissions and trying not to crack under pressure, of partying hard and last hurrahs.

In the wake of Honey Vandermeid's exit, will the new college counselor be up to the task? What do the cards hold in store for Tiffin's It couple, Charley and East? What will become of underground speakeasy Priorities? And what was in Cinnamon Peters's final email?

Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham answer these burning questions and more in The Thoroughbreds, a page‑turning story about friendship, treachery, ambition, and sacrifice.

 

 

 

It's senior year at Tiffin Academy, and you know what that means: SATs, college applications, and the last of all the fun parties. Senior year is shaping up to be a fun one, but Tiffin Academy's favorite couple, Charley and East, seem to be disagreeing a lot about things lately. Plus, Dub and Hakeem, the resident football players and best friends, also seem on the outs. Then enter new girl, Pippa Sacks, who is a day student, but is upsetting the apple cart at Tiffin Academy along with Liam, another new student. Audre Robinson is still Head of School, but is dealing with some financial difficulties that are threatening Tiffin's very existence. Then there's also Cinnamon's email to Dub before she died. What did it say, and has Dub opened it yet? Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham's The Thoroughbreds, book two in The Academy series, is a fun and frothy novel that will keep readers flipping the pages; it's perfect for readers who love a boarding school story.

If you read The Academy, you’ll recognize all the familiar characters and the drama each one brings. The Thoroughbreds features many other characters that I didn't even mention, including Olivia H-T, Davi, Cordelia, Taylor, Rhode, and others. With so many characters and plotlines to follow, it can be a lot to keep track of. The authors, Hilderbrand and Cunningham, often break the narrative into short sections. This approach allows readers to quickly move through the story, but it also makes it challenging to explore any one character in depth. Despite this, the format works well in The Thoroughbreds, and each character has a significant journey to navigate during their senior year.

I love a good boarding school story, especially in the fall, and Hilderbrand and Cunningham have captured a New England boarding school with its social hierarchy, its events, traditions, and even spring break at Harbour Island, Bahamas. The Thoroughbreds reminds me of Gossip Girl, in the very best way possible, and if you are looking for a light, soapy read to welcome the fall season, look no further. Pure fun!  

 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Mystery of the Missing Falls

It can be challenging to find Christian fiction for middle grade readers, especially stories that draw them in without feeling overly preachy. That’s why I’m excited to share a new novel that fits the bill: The Mystery of the Missing Falls by Jen Weaver and Gayle Veitenheimer. 

This book combines Christian themes with an engaging mystery that middle-grade readers are sure to enjoy. Fall is the perfect season to curl up with a detective story that will keep you flipping the pages. I also appreciate how the novel highlights the importance of prayer and features diverse representation. And did I mention there’s an adorable chocolate Lab?

 

Learn More About the Novel:

 

 

The Mystery of the Missing Falls: The Kingswell Kid Detectives Book 1

Jen Weaver and Gayle Veitenheimer

Kregel Publications (2026)

ISBN: 978-0825452864

Ages 8–12 (192 pages)

Series: The Kingswell Kid Detectives — Book 1

Synopsis: "Luka and Ember are ready to put their new detective agency on the map, and the town’s oldest unsolved mystery might be just the case to do it. When cousins Jake and Callie — who are at odds with each other — join the investigation, the young detectives set out to uncover the truth behind the missing falls, help mend an age-old family feud, and discover an unexpected tool along the way: prayer.

Blending high-stakes sleuthing and page-turning adventure with the questions kids really ask about God, The Mystery of the Missing Falls invites young readers to discover that prayer is more than talking to God — it’s part of an ongoing relationship with a God who speaks, listens, and meets them in everyday life."

 

You can purchase your own copy of The Mystery of the Missing Falls at Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. To learn more about Jen Weaver and Gayle Veitenheimer visit Jen's website, Gayle's, or the learn more about the series.  

 

The Giveaway: 

 

Calling all junior detectives! I've partnered with Jen Weaver and Gayle Veitenheimer for a great giveaway to celebrate the publication of The Mystery of the Missing Falls. Follow along on this virtual book tour and enter to win one of five copies of The Mystery of the Missing Falls by Jen Weaver and Gayle Veitenheimer. The giveaway is open till September 27th 2026. Good luck!

  

Mini Reviews: Fall Reads

I don't know about you, but I love curling up with a thriller or mystery in the fall. Sometimes, I even step outside my comfort zone and read a horror novel. I'm starting off light this fall with two books to get me ready for spooky season.

 

Free Falling by Lyla Sage

Pages: 288

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: September 22, 2026 

Publisher: Dial Press

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Clarke Cartwright probably needed to get out more. She just had a lot to do. Running Toade’s Antiques was no small feat, especially considering that the roof was in shambles and half her merchandise was unsellable. But dealing with that felt easier than her other two options: third-wheeling with her best friend…again, or chatting it up with the ghost of her childhood crush’s father, who just can’t seem to leave her alone.

Leith Wilkes has spent his life preparing to take over his family's farm. Well, he’s actually spent most of his life flirting, but now he’s ready to buckle down, which has nothing to do with an oddly specific clause that his dad left in his inheritance. Leith is pretty sure he’s the only one who knows about it…until Clarke drunkenly spills that she knows, too, along with a bunch of other Wilkes family secrets.

Leith starts to wonder if there’s more to Clarke than she lets on…and if his dad has something to do with it. And if she is keeping secrets of her own, maybe she won’t mind helping him with his."

 

 

Clarke Cartwright is running her mother's antique store in the sleepy town of Sweetwater Peak. She is living a relatively normal life except she can communicate with ghosts, and lately, that's all she has been hanging out with since her sister is off traveling and her best friend moved away. Leith Wilkes has always known he is going to inherit his family's farm, except things aren't as simple as they appear. There is an inheritance clause, and thanks to ghosts, Clarke knows about this clause and warns him about a few things. In order to save Leith's farm, they come up with a plan to fake date, and the rest is history. Fans of paranormal stories as well as spicy romances like the author's Rebel Blue Ranch series will appreciate Free Falling by Lyla Sage the most.
 
I love a good paranormal romance, and while they often seem far-fetched, Free Falling is one truly worked for me. I appreciated that Clarke could communicate with ghosts, and this ability significantly impacted her daily life, making it feel believable. The paranormal elements were cozy rather than eerie, which suited me perfectly. The entire novel was a delightful cozy fall romance. If you’re looking for a slightly paranormal read with romance, Free Falling is a great choice. I also enjoyed the romance between Clarke and Leith, their childhood connection, and how their relationship developed. Although I haven't read the first book in the Sweetwater Peak series, I don't think it's necessary to enjoy Free Falling.
 
 

 

 

 

 

Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier

Genre: Audiobook/Adult Fiction 

Pub. Date: August 25, 2026   

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 

 

 

 Goodreads says, "Seaside is a small coastal town, known originally for the local amusement park. But twenty-five years ago, a serial killer dubbed The Carnival Killer confessed to the murder of a local high school girl. Now, he's recanted that confession.

Barb, Nicolette, and Lorelei were best friends - then they met "Sam" at Wonderland, the local amusement park. After hanging out with him there, and accompanying him to the drive-in movie, where the twenty-something handsome drifter made out with Lorelei in the backseat. That night was the last time Lorelei was seen alive, her murdered body surfacing a couple of days later in a local cranberry bog.

Barb's dreams of leaving Seaside and becoming a successful writer never materialized and she is a freelancer for the local newspaper and, secretly, writes anonymously about reality tv stars for a hugely successful gossip web-site called Reality Bitch. Specifically, she writes savagely about a long-running show set in Canada called Trophy Wives.

Nicolette left town shortly after Lorelei's body surfaced, never to return. Ultimately, she married a very rich man, moved to Toronto and rebranded herself as Cole Lennox, one of the stars of Trophy Wives.

With the amusement park about to reopen, revitalizing the dying town of Seaside, the Carnival Killer recants his confession about killing Lorelei, the dead body of young woman washes ashore, and the truth about what happened that night twenty-five years ago - and what is happening now - threatens not only the carefully constructed lives of Barb and Nicolette, but the very fabric of Seaside itself."

 

 

Many years ago in Seaside, Washington, three teenage girls spent the evening at Wonderland, a seaside amusement park. While there, an older man, Sam, starts hanging out with them, and one of the girls, Lorelei, shows an interest in him despite the age difference. Days later, Lorelei ends up dead, much to the girls' shock. The other girls, Barb and Nicolette, try to move on with their lives after this awful event, which they come to find Lorelei was killed by a serial killer named the Carnival Killer, who is also responsible for other women's deaths. As the years go by, Barb stays in Seaside working as a local reporter, and Nicolette moves away to the big city, finding herself on reality TV. On the night that Wonderland is set to reopen, another body is washed ashore. To top it off, there is a documentary being done on the Carnival Killer, and he recants his story; he says that he didn't kill Lorelei! Barb and Nicolette have some secrets about that night, and everything is threatening to unravel before their very eyes. Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier is an edge-of-your-seat audiobook that kept me turning the pages.

I love a good thriller in the fall, and Heart of Glass is one was particularly chilling, especially as an audiobook. The different narrators did a great job bringing the story to life, and the special touches enhanced the overall listening experience. I had a feeling about where the plot was heading, but Hillier effectively incorporated many twists. My only issue with the book was that it felt overly long; it went off on several tangents that I felt didn’t really contribute to the plot. Other than that, I found it to be a solid thriller to start off the spooky season.
 

 

Have you read either book? Are you a fan of paranormal romances or thrillers? Let me know in the comments below.

 

 

Mini Reviews: Middle Grade Reads

 

My first love will always be compelling middle grade novels. I enjoy coming-of-age stories as well as engaging mysteries and fantasies. Today, I’m sharing two wonderful new additions to the middle grade bookshelf.

 

The Traitor Moth by Katharine Orton

Pages: 304

Genre: Middle Grade 

Pub. Date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Catclaw dreams that one day he will have the gift of prophecy, just like his Dreamkin ancestors.

But many moons ago, the Dreamkins were exiled from the other noble moth clans for a crime too awful to even speak of, and their gift of prophecy was lost. No Dreamkin has seen the future in generations. So when Catclaw receives a vision telling him that all the moth clans are in terrible danger, he’s branded a liar and exiled.

Catclaw knows it’s the right thing to protect his fellow moths, even if his own clan doesn’t believe him, so he sets out alone on the long and treacherous journey back to Queen Adeia’s Kingdom to warn them.

But there is more to the moth clans’ history than Catclaw ever knew, and the closer he gets to the kingdom, the more the danger grows.

 

In this fantasy world, there are five moth clans, with one of them, the Dreamkins, banished. This particular clan has been linked to prophecies, and Catclaw, a moth and an outsider, has always hoped that his clan would be accepted once again and the prophecies would return. He has grown up with Master Saturna, who shares his wisdom and the history of their world. But things aren't going well for the moths. Bluetails, or murderous wasps, have been tormenting the moths, and Catclaw finally has a vision. It's not good, and it deals with the Bluetails. He wants to warn the Queen and his fellow moths, but who will believe him? Catclaw's heroic journey is detailed in The Traitor Moth, and it's quite an adventure--perfect for readers of the Warriors series.
 
The Traitor Moth presents a fun and unique concept. I love stories that personify animals and bring them to life, making readers truly care about them. This novel accomplishes just that. Catclaw is such an underdog; how could anyone not root for him? His adventures are bound to keep young readers on the edge of their seats.  The Traitor Moth is the beginning of a promising new series.
 

 

Sneaks by Amy Tern

Page: 240

Genre: Middle Grade

Pub. Date: July 7, 2026 

Publisher: Candlewick

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Valory has developed an unfortunate reputation as a thief—primarily because she steals things—though she has resolved to change her ways.

Rook is a total asparagus-eater (a.k.a. a good kid), but he likes to spy on his neighbors. Nobody’s perfect, right?

The twelve-year-olds form an unlikely alliance when they encounter suspicious behavior in an “empty” apartment across the alley from Rook’s house. While agoraphobia keeps home-schooled Rook trapped on his property, confident and street-smart Valory can roam the scene undetected. Their opposite personalities might, in fact, be key to their success.

But their amateur detective mission morphs into something more sinister when they realize the apartment next door could be connected to a recent kidnapping. When the sleuths realize they’re also being watched, the pressure is on to unmask the villain… before she snatches them, too.

 

Valory lives in an apartment in Boston with her single mother, who cleans homes. She is struggling with some decisions she made in the past and has a compulsion to steal things. On one of her mother's jobs, she befriends Rook, who is the opposite of her. Rook has grown up in the lap of luxury, is an accomplished pianist, homeschooled, but has his own set of issues. For starters, he has agoraphobia and has a mother who is a helicopter parent; she doesn't let him out of her sight. He also has to live up to his parents' expectations regarding his music and piano competitions; this all causes him to suffer from anxiety. When Rook and Valory are hanging out, they notice the apartment building that Rook can see from his balcony. While out there, they notice a child that they think is being held against their will in the apartment, Faden House, which is across the way. In the news, there has been a missing kid spotlighted; could this be that kid? Their adventure ensues and an unlikely friendship is formed as well, in Sneaks, a debut novel by Amy Tern.
 
The chapters in Sneaks alternate between two characters, Rook and Valory. Each of them is grappling with personal challenges, but their shared interest in a missing child brings them together. Tern skillfully navigates Rook's anxiety and Valory's struggles with stealing, as well as her mother's new dating life, addressing these difficult issues with empathy. Sneaks reminded me of a middle-grade version of Only Murders in the Building. Fans of mysteries will appreciate this book and Sneaks would make a fantastic addition to a middle school library.

 

 

Are you a fan of middle grade novels? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.