September 12th: We Knew Everything Would Be All Right is such powerful book written and illustrated by first graders. We are reminded that even after the horrific events that took place on September 11, 2001 the world still continued the next day. This would be an outstanding book to use in the classroom when speaking about the events that took place on September 11th. It would be a great book to introduce the message of hope. Students could write about things that bring them hope or what makes them proud to be an American. It would also be a great book to introduce the word patriotism and how the students in the text displayed love for their country. 

Guided Reading level: H

They fought for their country. Now they fight for you. 

To find the people lost in the shadows, you need the men who live in them. The former soldiers of 11th Hour are unaffiliated, unacknowledged, and definitely illegal. They protect the innocent, destroy the guilty--and capture hearts along the way . . .

Rugged, skilled, and hard-bodied, Jack King's whole life was the Marines until an injury left him discharged from active duty. But he finds a new purpose when he's recruited by a special unit that employs ex-military to do very special jobs. Yet he's not impressed when his first assignment is babysitting the pretty, perfect daughter of a politician--especially when she's far from the angel she appears to be . . .

Callie Hawthorne hates politics, and she hates playing the part of a senator's goody two shoes daughter even more. It only gets worse when her father decides she needs a security detail 24/7--and the bodyguard happens to be the most insanely hot guy Callie's ever seen. Still, she's not going to be ordered around just because of some half-assed threat to her father. . . . But when it turns out her dad's no angel either, Jack has to kidnap Callie in order to protect her. And as danger closes in, he'll need all his considerable talents to keep them both alive. The greater challenge will be to keep his hands off her . . .

Jake and Callie electrify readers with passion and determination in the first book of the brand new 11^th Hour series.

The characters are strong, compelling and easily hook readers on their story as they struggle to find their way through a roller coaster of emotional turmoil and conflicts which continuously plague Jake and Callie. Not only do they have to find a way to get a handle on the situation but they fight an undeniable attraction that has them engaging in some hot and steamy embraces.

This story is fast paced and full of surprising twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats with danger and thrills. Jake’s unhappiness with the assignment adds to the confusion of the situation and he tries to determine just where the danger to Callie is coming from and when he does, he faces a couple of major decisions that will impact both his and Callie’s future which adds to the suspense and anticipation of the story, ensuring that readers want to know every last detail of this explosive relationship.

Jackie Ashenden has a gift for creating powerful, raw and thrilling stories that are full of enthralling characters that grab my attention and refuse to let go. She brings her worlds to electrifying life which makes it easy for readers to imagine each and every scene and feel as if they are part of the story taking place. I was completely caught up in Raw Power from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read the next novel in the series.

Raw Power is the 1^st book in the 11^th Hour series.

The 2^nd book – Total Control is set to be released on June 26, 2018.

Raw Power is available in print or ebook at:

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Jackie Ashenden can be found at:

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Happy 11th Birthday Shadow! 

I started reading this book and was somewhat confused. Aelfgifu? Isn't that Canute's harridan wife from the north who tries to ruin everything for Emma? How can she be enjoying a romantic moment with her husband or - heaven forbid! Making Emma out to be the evil one?

This unique perspective on King Canute's rival wives may have thrown me for a loop after reading so many positive portrayals of Emma, but that is also exactly what I love about historical fiction. Just as Richard III was made a hero in Sunne in Splendour or Thomas Cromwell made to shine in Wolf Hall, Aelfgifu is a heroine we can feel empathy for in Evans' Northern Queen.

I'm glad that I read this book, because, though I try to keep in mind that we don't know all that we think we do about historical figures, Aelfgifu is one whom I have never considered another side of. The idea that she may have truly loved Canute never really crossed my mind. Any time I am forced to reevaluate my perspective and peer into another possible view of history, I am grateful.

Aelfgifu's role keeps her on the sidelines of events, which makes her story one of a woman who thought to be queen but in reality is a woman often left waiting to hear news from others. This is a difficult way to write while keeping the story moving along, and Evans does an admirable job of it.

If you've ever wanted to see Emma's power struggle from the other side, this is the book for you.