Another Side of Sunshine by Kay DiBianca is this week’s Reader Friday. It is a middle-grade book that I, as an adult, thoroughly enjoyed! And it’s perfect for your grandkids or middle school kids. Here’s the first line: The whole adventure began when I was sitting on my favorite branch in the oak tree.
But first the photo and verse. Delores Topliff captured this serene setting on her farm in Milaca, Minnesota, last weekend. I love it, and I thought the verse went really well with it!
Now for Another Side of Sunshine by Kay DiBianca. Here’s the cover and back copy:
Ten-year-old Reen Penterson is spending her summer writing a novel so she can become rich and famous and won’t have to go to school anymore. But when she hears a rumor of a treasure hunt in the university town she lives in, she jettisons the novel and enlists the aid of her nine-year-old cousin Joanie to help her find the loot. The adventure begins with a cryptic clue written by the mysterious “Mr. Shadow.”
Competing with other teams of young treasure seekers, Reen and Joanie form the R&J Detective Agency and doggedly track clues through the library and around the campus of Bellevue University. But when they decipher a final clue, their solution is stolen by a competitor. All appears lost, but things are never what they seem in Mr. Shadow’s world. With just minutes to spare, Reen and Joanie get one last chance to locate the treasure. But can they do it before time runs out?
My take:
I loved this sweet story — it reminded me of Nancy Drew and The Bobbsey Twins that I read as a child. Except, I think middle schoolers will find DiBianca’s story is more on their level and more interesting than the books of my era.
I fell in love with Reene and Joanie when they first made their appearance in DiBianca’s Time After Thyme, and I was glad to see them get their own book. DiBiance has created great characters in these two. Readers, both kids and adults, will enjoy this fast-paced story with clues that are well-planted in the story. It’s also a great story to show children good principles for living while entertaining them.
You can purchase Another Side of Sunshine on Amazon, and while you’re there, pick up Book 2, Knights in Manhattan!
Okay Readers, what book are you into this week? Leave the first line or just say hi in the comments, and I’ll enter you in a drawing for one of Steve Hooley’s fine pens! (value $60) Steve’s Hand-crafted pens are made from antique and historic wood dating back to the 1700s. Check out my friend’s pens at his website. (Due to shipping costs, winner must have a US address.) You can see his other pens here.
The countdown is one! Twelve days and On the Edge of Trust releases! So there’s still time to preorder at 40% off and free shipping from Baker Bookhouse!
Here’s Friday’s song–I hope you enjoy!
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Comments 46
The book I’m into is on the edge of trust fantastic book love it and every time I think I know who did it I read something to change my mind did I say that I love this book
Author
Thank you, Crystal! So glad you’re enjoying it. 🙂
Just finished Whispers of a Southern Moon by Priscillia Bettis. I own both of books in the series by Kay DiBianca have not started reading them yet.
Author
Wasn’t Priscilla’s book awesome, Sharon?
Yes, it was. This is one book that stays with you.
Sharon, I’m tickled pink that you read Whispers of a Southern Moon. I hope you liked it. I loved Kay DiBianca’s two middle grade mysteries, so charming!
Thank you for writing such an awesome book. This book made me cry and smile at the same time. It really spoke to my heart.
Delores, I love your photo. My mom grew up on a farm in Michigan, so I have a great appreciation for the Midwestern farm country. Back in the 90s, I lived in Rochester, MN, surrounded by farm country again. The backyard of our house there abutted one of the last farms before the land was subdivided for residential homes. It was so peaceful.
I love Kay’s books. I remember reading “Time After Thyme”.
I finished Irene Hannon’s “Out of Time” yesterday, and just started “Dark Design” by Nancy Mehl. The first line is: “I was only nine years old when I knew I was destined to be a serial killer.”
Nice to hear & glad you enjoyed. I love that view AND the Amish buggies and carts that often roll by.
Author
I’m reading Nancy’s books as well, Tim. I need to get Irene Hannon’s!
Oh the farm is beautiful, Delores. I was looking for the cows! lol
Kay’s book sounds delightful, Pat. I remember when you reviewed Time after Thyme years ago and how much I wanted to read that one. So I know this one will also be good.
I did one of those late, late nights last evening finishing up, book #4,Silence in the Dark, so I could start On the Edge of Trust today. I will have to say, I loved the Logan Point Series. This was my third time rereading the series and I couldn’t believe how much I had forgotten. It was brand new. I really think you need to have a book six and bring back all the characters with updates on their lives as they solve a few murders, of course.
That’s my neighbor’s large hayfield across the road. I’ll show or send you endless photos of the cows sometime, but right now some are misbehaving a bit so are in trouble 🙂
Uh oh naughty cows 😉
Book 6–Yes, I’ll second that notion! 🙂
Author
Thanks, Tim!
Author
That’s an idea, Barbara–maybe I’ll do that when I finish the book set at the Elephant Sanctuary! And I’m so glad you enjoyed the Logan Point Series!!!
Beautiful farm and beautiful photo Delores!
I’m reading Defending You by Robin Patchen.
Blessed weekend!
“
Author
Robin’s books are great, Mary G!
Lovely photo. I am reading C is for Courting by Shelley Shepard Gray. The first line:
The weather was miserable, especially for the middle of October.
Author
I love Shelley Shepard Gray’s books, Gloria!
Beautiful picture and verse. I’ve read Another Side of Sunshine. Reen and Joanie make quite a team. Right now I’m reading Mistletoe and Malice, a Christian mystery by Lori DeJong. The first line: “I met someone, Ri.” I’m not far enough into the book to know if this new love interest is a good guy or not, we’ll see!
Author
I love that opening line, Priscilla!
Welcome to the weekend!
Author
I hope your’s was great, Caryl!
This comes from Tracing Her Stolen Identity by Katie Mettner: Skyler Sullivan tapped her card against the screen at the pharmacy and waited while the card reader spun. The word “declined” popped up on the screen. She frowned. That was weird. Her seven-dollar prescription was not going to drain her bank account.
Author
Wow, Diana, that’s an intriguing first line!
cute cover
Author
It is, isn’t it, BN!
Love the picture and Josh Turner.
Author
Me, too, Martha!
Thank you, Patricia, for reading and reviewing Another Side of Sunshine. (Reen and Joanie send their thanks, too. 🙂 )
I love the picture. Perfect for the verse. God bless this land of ours.
Author
Yes, Kay–God Bless this land! And I loved Another Side of Sunshine!
NICE picture! The verse goes well with it. Even your first line or two about the book seem to fit. It’s interesting that you shared a video recorded at the Gaither Studios. If you catch a glimpse of the piano player, I got my picture taken with him at the Gaither Homecoming we attended last weekend.
I haven’t finished the book I started last weekend because of so much going on this week. The next book I plan to read is an older one by Angela Hunt titled The Face. The story begins:
The microcamera homes in on a poster of a long-necked blonde with wide eyes, a straight nose, high cheekbones, and a rounded chin—the requisite parts of a face, all of which I am lacking. The model’s smile blurs as Hightower whirls around.
Author
Edward, I didn’t see who the piano player was, but Anthony Burger came to our church and planed a concert several years ago. Didn’t get my photo taken with him though…and that first line is very intriguing.
The piano player is Matthew Holt, the current pianist for Gaither Vocal Band and Homecoming events.
Author
They are all great!
Hi Pat! I really enjoyed On the edge of Trust which was awesome!
Author
Thanks, Shelia!!
Jarret Ross slammed the ax into the tree For Such A Time by Anne Greene
Author
Love that opening line Deborah!
I am currently reading “Dead Silence” by Robin Carroll.
Author
That’s on my TBR table, but I haven’t had much time to read lately, Beth.
I’m reading, crocheting and eating…uck oh!! Need to get up and throw some exercise into the mix. Have a blessed weekend all!
Author
I eating, Gail, but not getting much chance to read or exercise. lol
I’m still working on The Fellowship of the Ring. I’ll get done with it one of these days.
Author
I couldn’t stick with it, Kelly. lol