Reviews
Please leave a review — If you have read and enjoyed one of my books, please leave an honest review on Amazon or your favorite book store site. It will help Amazon and others show the book to more people. Your personal recommendation truly makes a difference. Thank you! (If you are 13 years old or younger, the privacy law requires that you have an adult assist you in posting a reveiw.)
Denise — “Hello, my son just read your novel Strength of the Mountains after receiving it for Christmas and he is certain there must be a sequel. I have searched with no luck, is there one or one in production? You definitely have a new fan in him.”
Gregory O. Smith — Thank you so much for asking. Yes, the sequel is now published. It is called Return to the Mountains.
(Strength of the Mountains) February 28, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
Fourteen year old Daniel J. Boone is not looking forward to his family’s upcoming move to the small town of Millford. Not only is the town far from his friends, but it cannot even be located on a map. After months of attempting to fit into his new surroundings, a mysterious package arrives for Daniel that is filled with toys representing the American Revolutionary War. When Daniel dons a hat from the box and it will not come off, he and his new friends find themselves in an adventure through time to help find a place for Millford in the post-revolutionary United States. Fans of the I Survived series will love this exciting approach to the American Revolutionary War. While the protagonists come from the present day, they interact with real historical figures in a true historical context. Facts and events from the American Revolution are woven smoothly into the text, and readers of all ages will come away with a better understanding of this period in history than they had before reading the book. Recognizable middle grade experiences like first loves, family dynamics, and bullying are also included in the text, which give the story a very approachable quality despite its more fantastic elements. At the end of the book, readers will find extensive supplementary material, including a brief timeline of George Washington’s life, a list of clever facts, and the Declaration of Independence. Though relatively short, this book includes all the necessary elements of a complete novel, and it is well-written, as well. Middle grade readers with an interest in history and excitement will appreciate the fast-paced nature of this story. This is an entertaining addition to library collections for young readers.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
The hunt continues as the Wright cousins and the Straunsee sisters search for buried treasure near the island of Talofa in the South Pacific. A series of happy accidents has led the youth to reunite in this remote part of the world, and they are more than willing to team up to discover the whereabouts of a supposed bounty. But they are not the only ones after the treasure, of course, and when one of the villains resembles Sarina Straunsee, things become even more complicated. Using their wits and collective strengths, the Wright cousins and their friends work to put the disparate pieces together and right the wrongs that have been done. This fifteenth in the Wright Cousin Adventures series is an extension of book fourteen and therefore picks up right where that story leaves off. The island of Talofa is full of secrets, and the Wright cousins are fortunate to have both the wherewithal and the means to bring their goals to fruition. There is an abundance of characters included in this story, which can feel overwhelming for readers even if they are familiar with other books in the series. Despite this, however, the narrative flows smoothly and is filled with the wholesome banter and light peril that are hallmarks of the Wright Cousin Adventures collection. Action and dialogue drive the plot of this book, and families will enjoy reading this novel and its companions aloud together. Though it is the last in the series for now, it is clear that more are on the horizon for fans to look forward to reading. This is an enjoyable addition to library collections for young readers.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
After a harrowing–yet successful–journey to space, the Wright cousins are ready to enjoy some much deserved down-time with their royal friends in the land of Gutenberg. But, what begins as a relaxing vacation quickly turns dangerous when an ancient law comes to light that threatens the king’s official right to rule. Luckily, the Wright cousins are in the right place at the right time, and they have just the skills they need to get to the bottom of the mystery before nefarious forces supercede their efforts. Together with friends both familiar and new, the Wright cousins put together the fragmented details of the law to help secure the rightful king on his throne. This tenth in the Wright Cousins Adventures series picks up shortly after the previous book ends, and while it begins as a relaxing trip to Gutenberg, the action quickly revs up. Several familiar characters are woven into the narrative, and other characters who have only received a brief mention in previous stories garner more attention in this novel, as well. Comic banter among the cousins is used throughout, and the action in this story is particularly riveting. As villains attempt to usurp the crown, the Wright cousins and their friends find themselves in trouble more than once, and they must rely both on their shared knowledge and their companionship to survive. Short chapters and a fast-paced narrative make this book suitable to a range of ages, especially thanks to the accessible and family-friendly writing style. Fans of shorter series novels like The Hardy Boys will appreciate the similar design and execution of this collection of novels. This is an exciting addition to the Wright Cousins series, and it is an enjoyable story to include on both home and library shelves.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
This eighth in the Wright Cousins series incorporates more of the previous stories than earlier novels have done. While this book can still stand on its own, readers will benefit from having an understanding of the other stories that lead up to this one. In fact, several adventures are mentioned by name throughout this book, so readers will know right where to look if they need a reminder of a particular event. Familiar faces reemerge throughout this narrative, as well, and readers have the opportunity to get to know the protagonists and their companions even better as the story progresses. It is enjoyable to observe how the adventures all interconnect with one another, which they do more and more as the series continues.
Like the other novels in this series, this book is written in a wholesome style that utilizes vocabulary and content that is family friendly. Though the characters themselves are teenagers, the story appeals to younger readers as well, much like a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys mystery would do. This novel also incorporates a large quantity of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subject matter and details that readers will appreciate, especially as new vocabulary and history likewise appear throughout the action-packed narrative. The story reads smoothly and quickly thanks to its approachable design, and while it has a satisfying ending, it does leave readers looking ahead to the next installment. This is a fun-filled, family friendly adventure that will appeal to readers of all ages.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
My sons favorite part was when they found the waterfall. He was sad when the book was over and happy when I told him we could download the next one! We love listening to a chapter or two each night at bedtime. I have to turn it off or he won’t fall asleep! 😂
This seventh installment in the Wright Cousins Adventures series will feel familiar to readers who have enjoyed others in the collection. Some characters from previous stories find their way into this one, and new companions are also added to the cousins’ growing list of friends. An approachable amount of World War II history is included in this particular narrative, as well, which enhances the plot without being overwhelming for readers. Additionally, delightful banter and light jokes appear throughout the book, giving levity to an otherwise dangerous situation. While this book can stand on its own, the story builds upon book six, so it is best for readers to be familiar with that novel first. Like the other novels in this collection, this one is accessible for older middle grade and young adult readers alike thanks to its focus on action, lack of strong language, and incorporation of wholesome family elements. This is an exciting addition to the series, and it is a positive adventure mystery for young readers.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
This fifth in the Wright Cousins Adventures series takes a step outside of the traditional style of the previous four books. Instead of beginning with introductions to all of the cousins, this story introduces characters far removed from the cousins who ultimately make several appearances within the narrative. Additionally, the book focuses primarily on cousins Tim and Robert instead of the group as a whole. By altering the style in this way, this book connects with readers on a different level and enhances the overall complexity of the storytelling.
Like the others in the series, this book is told primarily through action sequences and witty banter among the cousins. This choice makes the story read quickly, although it ultimately lacks some of the depth and explanation that would help several of the plot points make more sense. However, older middle grade and young adult readers who enjoy action-focused narratives within wholesome settings will appreciate this addition to the series, especially if they have enjoyed the books that came before. This is an engaging addition to the Wright Cousins series, and it serves as an enjoyable launch into subsequent installments.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
Riverdancer — VINE VOICE — “Fun and engaging!”
The Wright cousins are back to solve another mystery in this fourth book of the Wright Cousins Adventures series, and this time, they are headed for a project to restore a fort that was used during the American Revolution. While they expect the hard work required of them in preparing the fort for its official unveiling on the Fourth of July, they are not prepared for the danger that awaits them. Hidden gold is suspected to exist somewhere within the fort, so treasure seekers of all kinds have the location in their sights. And when the guest of honor at the upcoming ceremony goes missing, it is up to the Wright cousins to help rescue her before it is too late. This book is an excellent continuation of the series, especially as the characters are now clear in the minds of readers. Journeying with the cousins to a new locale is quite enjoyable, as is the addition of a new character to the mix. Like the others in the series, this book is focused primarily on action and dialogue, and this–coupled with short chapters–keeps the narrative flowing. Though the characters are all in their teens, there is no strong language or adult themes, which makes the book accessible to a wide range of readers. This installment does include some danger and suspense, but there is a pleasant resolve at the end. Brief mentions of prayer and religion are found in the story, which serve mostly as anchors to the wholesome design of the narrative. Fans of Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and even Scooby Doo will find something to love about this series, whether they read the books in or out of order. This is an enjoyable mystery adventure for both youth and teens, and it sets up well for subsequent installments.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
The Wright Cousins are off on another adventure — this time, to the desert Southwest of the United States. While their parents are working on a top secret mission, cousins Robert, Lindy, Jonathan, Kimberly, and Tim venture into the desert to solve a mystery of their own. Legend has it that the remains of a Spanish galleon from the 1600s can be found somewhere nearby, but the story has yet to be proven. Luckily, the five cousins are filled with knowledge and ingenuity that get them where they want to go while protecting others along the way. This second book in the Wright Cousin Adventures series stands alone but incorporates the same characters and style as the first book. Dialogue propels the narrative, and each of the cousin’s personalities comes through clearly in the delightful banter they share. Always interested in adventure and helping others, the Wright cousins display not only a positive relationship with one another, but also supportive and encouraging interactions with others in their community. Action and excitement are at the core of this book, and each moment seems to bring a new challenge to the cousins. This design keeps the pages turning and readers engaged from the first moment to the last. Military references and pro-American sentiments pepper the narrative and showcase a family whose roots run deep in American culture. Inspired by adventures from the author’s own life, this book incorporates many experiences shared by families of similar backgrounds. Fans of The Boxcar Children series will appreciate a similar style and wholesome design of this collection, which is sure to appeal to readers of a wide range of ages. This is an action-packed addition to libraries for middle grade and young adult readers.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
Starting out, the narrator is pretty good. He’s lively and does a good job bringing story to life.
But, as good as the narrator is, the book is better. It’s packed with secret passageways, swordfights, and lost treasure, cleverly mixed with a twist of secret agents and archeology. (Think Indiana Jones) It made me nostalgic for summer and the start of new adventures.
Let’s put it this way, if I were still a kid/teenager still, I would’ve eaten this series up in a way that would give Percy Jackson a run for his money. I mean, there’s a *SPOILER ALERT* food fight (against the badguys) with LITERAL CANNONS. It’s comedy GOLD.
Anyways, kids will love this and so will adults. Now stop reading my review and go read/listen to it all ready.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
Reviewed in Canada on June 27, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars (Strength of the Mountains) June 16, 2022
I am a college student with very little time to read for fun.
-When I first picked this book up, I figured that it was just going to be another survival book, like Hatchet or something. Let me say that this book is actually good. Basic synopsis? -The main character, a dude named Matt ends up stranded in the mountains with no hope of rescue because, well, phone service is a nope. The REFRESHING thing is that he’s actually smart about it. (I don’t know about you, but characters being dumb in books is a nope for me, just can’t handle them lighting themselves on fire or leaving their food to rot, and while making mistakes is allowed, making the same dumb mistakes over and over is not.)
MATT IS ACTUALLY SMART, HE USES HIS BRAIN! He has skills that develop over the course of the book! CRAZY, I KNOW!
Here’s a list of things I like: (Mild spoilers)
-Matt makes friends with a raccoon (dubbed Robin Hood) that becomes his buddy after the bandit eats a whole lot of Matt’s granola bars.
-Matt and Robin Hood go exploring in order to find their way out of the valley, and discover things (not listed for spoiler reasons) that are pretty stinking cool. I mean, I wouldn’t be mad to end up in that valley myself, just give me a plane and better phone coverage, and maybe a generator or something haha.
-There’s more adventure/excitement than your typical running from a wildfire scene. Haha, let’s just say that riding a hot air balloon through a storm is just the beginning for my man Matt.
-Matt is a college student like myself, and well, I relate to him in a lot of ways.
-It’s entirely clean, there’s no bad langauge or innuendos, which is SO NICE. I am not ashamed to recommend this book to others because there’s nothing in it to hide. It’s a beautiful, thrilling, funny, and exciting book that I’ve had to read three times just because I couldn’t get enough. The only con is that there isn’t a sequel, cuz you know that’d be gold too.
PathfinderPenguin — “This should be a movie!”
5.0 out of 5 stars (Rheebakken 2) June 16, 2022
Pilots, planes, and princesses, can it get any better than that?? -I say no, but that’s just me.
THIS BOOK IS AWESOME! I love the main characters, I love the storyline, I love the worldbuilding (Or I guess worldsaving? Because they’re trying to save the world?)
Synopsis? People are being attacked, planes are going down, the free world is in danger and flying through the middle of it is an air force pilot named Eric Brown. He doesn’t know what’s happening, just that he’s been ordered to pick up a package. Turns out the package is King Stransee, his daughter, the Princess Allesandra, and their top secret briefcase with contents that will detemine the course of the war. -There’s dogfights, tank fights, espionage, and international intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through. There may or may be a bobsled chase too, but that’s all top secret information and you definitely didn’t hear it from me.
Honestly the depth and width of this story is so good, its one of my favorite books, and if it was a movie it’d be a blockbuster.
PathfinderPenguin — “A quest for a spanish galleon? I say yes!!”
5.0 out of 5 stars (Desert Jeepers, Wright Cousin Adventures) June 16, 2022
10/10 would read again!!
This is definitely a great book for boys who love adventures! It has bad guys and good guys, family time, gold mines, adventures and even a military tank! My kids were definitely enthralled with the story and enjoyed every minute of it. They can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
As a mom I am looking for good books for my kids. We are pretty conservative in our beliefs so finding good books that align with that is getting harder and harder nowadays but then comes along an author I have not heard of before and my faith is restored, because there are good books for kids out there, we just have to dig a little harder.
This is a very clean book and filled with a classic adventure that will remind you of the western movies of old times. I highly recommend this not only as a read aloud but definitely for kids ages 8 and up! My kids give it a quadruple thumbs up!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Sassy Bookish Mama–April, 2022. (Treasure of the Lost Mine) As a bookish mama I absolutely love when I get books to review that I can read aloud to my kiddos. I can’t express to you how much we love read alouds around here. We typically have multiples going on at once. One at breakfast, one at lunch time and another during nighttime. (That’s not even counting the books we read during school time! 😂)
Although I stick to classics that I grew up with I do mix in some newer books. The problem with that nowadays is finding books that align with our values.
This book The Treasure of the Lost Mine by Gregory O. Smith was thoroughly enjoyed during morning time! The boys especially were completely captivated in the adventure of the Wright cousins and were so upset I didn’t have the second book in hand! 😂
My full review will be on the blog tomorrow but I wanted to share with you in case you are looking for a fun book for your kiddos!
It is a clean, family friendly book filled with an amazing adventure that kids will enjoy. I mean how can you not love a book with bad guys, gold mines and even a tank?!
We loved it as a read aloud but I would recommend it for 5th grade and up!
Thank you Gregory O. Smith for sending me a copy for review! We really enjoyed it!
5.0 out of 5 stars (Desert Jeepers) April 2, 2022
This is a great kids adventure with good clean fun. I look forward to more of these for the next long car trip. I couldn’t help thinking ‘and I would have gotten away with it if it hadn’t been for those kids and their clever ways’. I highly recommend this if you have kids.
5.0 out of 5 stars (The Treasure of the Lost Mine–Audiobook) March 14, 2022
This was a fabulous book that reminded me of all the mystery adventures I read growing up. The Treasure of the Lost Mine was captivating and entertaining with some educational information that helped this book be more than just fun. I think this is the first of many entertaining stories the kids will enjoy.
5.0 out of 5 stars Reviewed (Desert Jeepers) in Canada on November 12, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars (The Treasure of the Lost Mine) October 23, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars (The Treasure of the Lost Mine) July 26, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars (Secret Agents Don’t Like Broccoli) April 5, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars (The Case of the Missing Princess) March 24, 2021