Book Review: Fall Love by L. B. Dunbar

Fall Love (Lovewell Landing Book 1) by L.B. Dunbar

A Romance Novel published by L.B. Dunbar Writes, Ltd. (09/10/26)

Summary: A steamy small-town autumnal romance

Neve is perfectly happy with her life in her small coastal hometown and has no interest in settling down, especially with a local guy. After a one-night stand with Tate, a man she never expects to see again, she unexpectedly ends up pregnant. Nine months later, Tate returns to town for business and discovers that their one night together may have given him everything he’s ever wanted. The problem? His business plans could threaten everything Neve has built and loves.

Keywords:

 Contemporary, Small Town, Fall, Pregnant, One-Night-Stand, Business, Mechanic, Second Chance

My Review:

I really wanted to love this book because I adore seasonal romances.

The fall vibes were great! Pumpkins, apple picking, small-town events, baking, and Neve’s love of pumpkin spice made me wish Lovewell Landing were a real place.

I also really enjoyed Neve’s relationship with her sisters. Their interactions felt natural and wholesome, and I liked having that family dynamic throughout the story. I also really, really love all their unique names. I thought Neve’s attachment to the auto shop and her desire to preserve her father’s legacy also gave her a good reason to be guarded and independent. She felt like a real character with flaws and baggage and life.

Tate was both my favorite part and my least favorite part. He has always wanted a baby and a family of his own, so when he finds out he’s going to be a father, there’s never any question that he wants to be involved. But I especially loved that he didn’t just focus on the baby. He wanted Neve, too. Watching him try to break through her walls was really sweet, and Neve’s black cat attitude made their banter fun. Tate, however, felt like too much of a fantasy man and seemed to lack the substance of a real person. He was so focused on Neve, the baby, and being this perfect man that it just felt like too much to me. It also made him feel one-dimensional at times.

The pacing didn’t work as well for me. The beginning was pretty slow, and there were a LOT of repetitive inner thoughts that dragged the story along. I kept putting this book down again and again because I just wasn’t feeling pulled into the story.

Overall, this was a cute and spicy fall romance with great autumn vibes, but I wanted more development, a faster pace, and more depth to Tate.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by L.B. Dunbar Writes, Ltd. on 09/10/2026 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information

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Book Review: Falling for Mr. October by Angela Casella

Falling for Mr. October by Angela Casella

A Romance Novel published (09/03/26)

Summary: Fake dating, a secret celebrity chef, meddling Nonnas, and fall romance

“There was me, Giovanni Cafiero, and there was him, the Shirtless Chef. I could become him whenever I wanted to, and the rest of the time I could pretend he didn’t exist.” (Kindle).

A small-town apple orchard, fall festivals, a failing family business, meddling Italian Nonnas, fake dating, and a shirtless chef hiding out after his unexpected internet fame gets to be too much.

Keywords:

Contemporary, Fall, Small Town, Fake Dating, Celebrity hiding from the spotlight, Friends-to-lovers

My Review:

This was such a fun fall rom-com! Bianca and Giovanni were a really cute couple, and I liked watching their relationship develop from the initial awkwardness into something much more genuine. Giovanni is basically the perfect rom-com book boyfriend. He is charming, funny, thoughtful, good with the grandmas, and, of course, he can cook. But he does have his doubts and flaws and still feels human and imperfectly perfect.

The Nonnas were probably my favorite part of the supporting cast. They brought a lot of humor to the story, and all of the small-town characters helped make Apple Ridge feel like an actual community rather than just a backdrop for the romance.

I also liked the storyline behind Giovanni’s secret identity as the Shirtless Chef. His decision to walk away from the attention and hide out in Apple Ridge gave the story a little more substance than just the typical fake-dating setup. There are also some deeper themes about family, grief, learning to accept help, and figuring out what you actually want out of life.

And the theme is definitely there: Fall. Apple orchards, pumpkins, festivals, small-town activities, cooking, and cozy family moments make this a perfect book for when you’re ready to get in the Autumn spirit.

I read the sweet/closed-door version, and I liked having that option. There was still plenty of romance and chemistry without needing the spicy scenes. I really appreciate that Angela Casella offers both versions so readers can choose what they want.

Overall, this was a cute, easy, feel-good fall romance with fun characters, plenty of humor, and exactly the kind of cozy small-town atmosphere you’d expect from a fall rom-com. If you’re looking for something light and romantic to kick off your fall reading, this would be a good choice.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

This novel was published on 09/03/2026 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

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Book Review: Botcation by Paul Clarke

Botcation by Paul Clarke

A Middle Grade Action Novel published by Green Hill Publishing (05/08/26)

“I don’t think your mother trusts me, so make sure you tell her that absolutely nothing could go wrong. I guarantee it.” 

Mary, Daniel, and Timmy are back… And so is Bernard. Best of all, bots are back.

Life has mostly settled down after the events of Bot Camp. The robotics club is still struggling to attract members (or even spectators), but Daniel, Mary, and Timmy are happily building and battling robots together. Daniel is still the reluctant leader of the group, Mary is still intimidatingly competent, and Timmy continues to create robot designs that are equal parts creative and catastrophic.

Keywords:

Robotics, Bot Battle, Vacation, 12-Year-Olds, Billionaire, Leadership, Teamwork, Survival, RV

My Review:

I enjoyed slipping back into this world and spending time with these characters again. Their friendships feel genuine, and the banter between them remains one of my favorite parts of the series. Timmy, in particular, continues to steal scenes with his enthusiasm and chaos.

The story starts out with robot battles at school before shifting into a camping adventure when Bernard Barker invites the group and their families on a high-tech wilderness trip. Of course, things don’t stay peaceful for long. Huntbots make an appearance, and what should have been a relaxing outdoor adventure quickly turns into a fight for survival.

One aspect of the story that I particularly enjoyed was the exploration of technology versus traditional skills. The book presents a world filled with advanced gadgets, artificial intelligence, and robots, yet the characters repeatedly discover that technology isn’t always the answer. Sometimes practical knowledge, teamwork, and basic survival skills are just as important. I appreciated how this idea was woven naturally into the plot rather than being presented as a lecture. It never feels preachy; instead, the characters learn through experience, making the message both believable and engaging.

I also continue to enjoy how the series balances technology, problem-solving, and action without losing sight of the characters and the plot. The robotics elements are fun and detailed enough to satisfy STEM-minded readers, while remaining accessible to those who just want an exciting adventure.

I also appreciated that the adults are present and involved without taking over the story. Daniel, Mary, and Timmy are still the ones driving the action and solving problems, which keeps the focus where it belongs. (Although mom-power shines as well).

Overall, this was a fun continuation of the series. If you enjoyed Bot Camp, you’ll likely enjoy spending more time with these characters as they face another robot-filled adventure. The combination of friendship, engineering, humor, and rogue robots continues to make this a series worth following.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by Green Hill Publishing on 05/08/2026 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

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Book Review: Secrets of a Super Ager by Roy Blacksher

Book Review: Secrets of a Super Ager by Roy Blacksher

A Nonfiction Health and Wellness Novel published on (09/29/25)

A well-researched guide for changing lifestyle and eating habits to live longer and healthier

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

“The solution is deceptively simple: reduce portions, eliminate ultra-processed foods, and return to whole, nutrient-dense meals. Eating less—especially of the wrong kinds of foods—is not deprivation; it’s liberation.”

This nonfiction book is a hopeful yet practical guidebook for staying healthy and energized as you age. The author draws on science, knowledge, and his own personal experience to share simple strategies for eating, staying active, and lifestyle changes that helped him reverse his declining health and thrive. The book encourages readers to acknowledge the truths surrounding health and wellness and to rethink aging as a chance to live stronger and better for longer.

Keywords:

Nonfiction, Health, Wellness, Eating, Activity, Exercise, Movement, Science, Education, American Habits

My Review:

This nonfiction book serves as a comprehensive, research-backed guide to lifestyle and eating habits that readers can adopt to lead longer and healthier lives. The writing is instructional and matter-of-fact while leaning heavily on science to make its points. There is an extensive notes and references section that takes up a third of the book’s content at the very end, with most references occurring post-2000, which is helpfully divided into sections (brain food, food truths, sweets, junk food, fiber, inflammation, etc.).

The second half of the book contains a chapter-by-chapter summary in bullet point format for those TL;DR impatient readers or those who need a recap and/or bullet-by-bullet guide for making the changes proposed in the first half of the book.

The author utilizes motivational language and a causal tone amidst the research-based sections that read like a summarized literature review. Each chapter is short and to the point, easier to digest than any lengthy article or paper on similar subject matter. Each chapter can be read as a whole in one sitting, and the information is presented in a way that’s easy to understand and digest. Each chapter ends with a summary of key points that includes additional fascinating statistics, facts, and conclusions to drive the point home. However, there is more emphasis on what to do and why the reader should make the changes, and less time on storytelling or examples.

The main emphasis of the book is on diet as the foundation for long-term wellness. Beyond food, the book frames longevity as inseparable from lifestyle. Regular physical activity is essential. Rest, quality sleep, stress management, and time spent in nature are highlighted as critical for hormonal balance, immune health, and emotional well-being. Practices such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, social connection, laughter, optimism, and a sense of purpose round out the author’s holistic view of aging well. This is not new information for individuals who are already wellness-conscious. The book is repackaging contemporary health and wellness content in a way that’s interesting to read and reinforces the science that currently exists.

This nonfiction guide is best for readers wanting to reinforce health and wellness practices they are already adopting or for those new to the health and wellness journey. The book is especially useful for the average American, as the research and information are centered around the current and recent American diet and lifestyle.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information

Goodreads

Amazon

Book Review: Shit Happens by Justin bussman

Book Review: Shit Happens by Justin bussman

A Comedic Memoir published by Buss Publishing House (10/24/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

“The bathroom was the only viable option. It offered the illusion of control, a controlled environment for an uncontrolled situation.”

This comedic memoir by Justin Bussman is a deeply personal exploration of a life full of chronic digestive anxiety and subsequent dietary and bathroom obsession. This book is intensely focused on food, stress, and the biological limitations of Justin’s throughout his life, from childhood to adulthood.

Keywords:

Nonfiction, Memoir, Bowel Movements, Life, Anxiety, Bodily Functions

My Review:

The book is a relentless inner monologue, with each thought, fear, and bodily sensation magnified, described, and sometimes exaggerated. Every paragraph comes loaded with adjectives, similes, and metaphors, leaving the reader occasionally overwhelmed with the glut of figurative and descriptive language devices.

Bussman’s obsessive attention to every little detail surrounding his digestion makes each story feel like a diary entry. This narrative is both exhausting and fascinating to read. The point of view is uniquely unfiltered and descriptive.

The memoir is divided into periods of time in the author’s life, and each of those chapters is divided into specific incidents related to digestive anxiety. This book could have been structured like an epic poem or ode to digestion without losing its focus or impact

There are strong running themes of stress, anxiety, and fear, particularly around public humiliation and embarrassment. The memoir skips over anything not related to food or digestive anxiety, which sharpens its focus but also contributes to repetition that can slow the reading experience.

The author’s exploration of bowel anxiety also touches on cultural prudishness. If only he had read Everyone Poos, so much of the psychological angst surrounding poop (and diarrhea) might have been avoided. The book underscores the shame and embarrassment that society attaches to natural bodily functions – especially if they are not experiencing them like the average person. The author shows us through his thoughts surrounding his experiences – read incidents – that our reactions to these experiences often matter more than the experiences themselves.

Ultimately, the memoir leaves you with questions: what is the takeaway, and why this book? Perhaps it is nothing more than a personal reflection and insight into living with anxiety around digestion and the constant mental calculations it provokes. Or maybe it’s intended to create empathy for anyone with atypical bowel movements or, more generally, social anxiety. Or maybe it’s just a fun book to read in small chunks while in the bathroom.

This novel was published on 10/24/2025 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.25

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Goodreads

Book Review: The Joy Dividend: How Brands Win by Reducing Stress and Sparking Delight by Hamutal Schieber

Book Review: The Joy Dividend: How Brands Win by Reducing Stress and Sparking Delight by Hamutal Schieber

A Nonfiction Business Strategy Novel published on (01/01/26)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

“When a product perfectly blends form, function, and delight, customers don’t just use it, but they fall in love with it and spread the word.”

This nonfiction book (more like a research guide) looks at how constant stress has changed the way people think, choose, and stay loyal to a product or brand. Instead of chasing more features or novelty, consumers are gravitating toward experiences that feel easier, calmer, and more human. Blending research, real-world examples, and practical frameworks, the book shows how reducing friction, creating moments of joy, and respecting people’s limited time and emotional bandwidth can build deeper, longer-lasting loyalty.

Keywords:

Nonfiction, Business, Consumer Behavior, Strategic Management, Marketing, Strategy, Psychology, Research

My Review:

The book is highly structured and methodical. Each chapter opens with a summary, ends with key takeaways, and often includes practical exercises. It draws on a mix of very recent data (2024–2025 studies) alongside older references, giving the arguments strong contemporary relevance.

The examples throughout are concrete, realistic, and easy to imagine applying in real business contexts. The book contains tables, charts, and dense blocks of information. The small text and volume of technical detail can feel like information overload, especially in mobile format, where some tables become difficult to read. Often, large lists or frameworks are presented first and explained afterward.

The tone of the content presented is academic and highly analytical, like a research-backed thesis. As a book, the pacing can feel challenging to read cover-to-cover. I can envision this book as a companion to a business class, where the content is broken up into weekly readings and lessons, allowing the ideas room to breathe.

Chapter 7 stands out as a highlight and a fitting conclusion. The comprehensive implementation guide provides a clear, step-by-step framework that brings all the concepts together practically and cohesively. After the analytical density of the previous chapters, this section feels necessary and helpful. It offers a thorough, actionable roadmap for product design, implementation, and long-term strategy.

If you want a thoughtful framework you can apply to long-term product, experience, or brand strategy, this book is for you.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.00

Links for more information

Goodreads

Amazon

Book Review: The Shared Pulse by Eda Kara

Book Review: The Shared Pulse by Eda Kara

A Speculative Fiction – Romance Novel published on (01/02/26)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

“Steel Hook, the trendiest AI dating app of the moment: part Bumble, part psychometric experiment, part cult. For her, the app was less about meeting someone and more about defining a problem statement for which the match would be the optimal solution.”

In a near-future Istanbul where love is governed by algorithms, Alev and Toprak are improbably matched by a system glitch that creates an intimate “Shared Pulse” between them. Alev is a perfectionist guided by her AI coach, while Toprak is a commitment-phobe gaming the dating app so it won’t kick him off. Can real love exist in an optimized world, or is it doomed by the messy chaos of being human?

Keywords:

Technology, Dating, AI, Turkiye, Algorithm, AI Coach, Autonomy, Efficiency, Humanity, Connection

My Review:

I was immediately hooked by the speculative fiction, semi-dystopian premise, but even more so within the first few pages of Chapter One, by the writing itself and the story. The moment Secret Garden tells Alev she’s ready for a relationship, and she joins the AI dating app Steel Hook, the story’s main plotline is set up: a woman who has optimized every part of her life now outsourcing intimacy itself. Alev’s complete lack of concern about privacy, handing over her data without hesitation, and letting her devices record her daily life feels both unsettling and painfully accurate. “She was trapped in an infinite loop of optimized, emotionally neutered efficiency.”

Alev is written as hyper-competent and emotionally constrained… “basically, if an Apple Watch had a human form.” She treats dating (even romance and romantic feelings) as a problem statement waiting for the optimal solution. Steel Hook, with its cult-like slogans MATCH. MEASURE. MAXIMIZE becomes less a dating app and more a mirror of her internal logic: efficient, sterile, and emotionally risk-averse. The result is a life that feels performative and devoid of emotion.

The disruption comes in the form of Toprak, whose unpolished kindness and awkward charm challenge Alev’s instinct to judge and categorize. His resistance to being reduced to metrics and his frustration with being seen as likable but not trustworthy introduce the book’s most compelling counterargument to algorithmic compatibility. When the AI begins “optimizing for emotional authenticity instead of compatibility metrics,” the story becomes even more compelling: that emotion, messiness, and so-called chaos are not bugs in the system but the point of life itself.

What elevates all of this is the author’s language. The prose is sensory and alive—“The night was already pressing the windows,” “The city below stretched its limbs.” The author’s command of wordcraft feels effortless and immersive, making the emotional and philosophical questions feel real and alive rather than abstract. This is speculative fiction at its best: using near-future technology to interrogate identity, intimacy, and the radical idea that our cracks aren’t flaws at all: they’re openings.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

Links for more information

Eda Kara’s website

Goodreads

Amazon

Book Review: A Knight in Central Park by Angela McConkey

Book Review: A Knight in Central Park by Angela McConkey

A Middle Grade book published on (01/19/26)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

This short story is a wholesome coming-of-age tale that centers on Henry, a fifth grader, who describes himself as “strategically reckless.” Told mostly from Henry’s point of view, this middle-grade book offers a slice-of-life look at one summer in the life of a 12-year-old boy navigating imagination, responsibility, and growing up.

Keywords:

5th grade, New York, Arthurian Legend, Adventure, Imagination, Lessons, Cat, Bird, Grandmother

My Review:

The author’s writing style is clean and unobtrusive, striking an effective balance between showing and telling that makes the book easy to read. The reading level firmly places it in the chapter book/ middle-grade category, and it never asks too much of the reader. Henry’s voice feels intentionally young for his age. He is emotional, a little whiny, and completely unfiltered. He often talks out loud to himself, holding nothing back, which feels authentic, yet makes Henry seem younger than he is.

This story is driven by imagination rather than action. Arthurian ideas of knighthood: courage, justice, mercy, generosity, faith, nobility, and hope are woven throughout, reinforcing the idea that being a “knight” doesn’t require sword fights or dragon slaying. As one line puts it, “You’ve got the heart of a knight… Even if you don’t know it yet.” These lessons are clear and intentionally spelled out, especially in the last chapters of the book.

The story itself is low stakes and low action, more slice-of-life than adventure. That makes for a calm, sometimes plodding read with no real surprises. It doesn’t need to be read in one sitting, and in fact works better when taken in small pieces. The predictability and steady pacing make it ideal as bedtime reading for middle-grade readers, where you can pause at any point and easily pick up again the next night. And, of course, who doesn’t love a book with animals?

Ultimately, this is a cute short story packed with positive lessons and an earnest message about growing into kindness and character. While it may not be particularly exciting or surprising, it succeeds as a thoughtful, age-appropriate read for middle-grade readers—and for adults reading aloud to children who appreciate a calm, reassuring story with heart.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information

Goodreads

Amazon

Book Review: Bot Camp by Paul Clarke

Bot Camp by Paul Clarke

A Middle Grade Action Novel published by Green Hill Publishing (08/14/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

“If you want to win, you need ruthless efficiency.” 

Daniel doesn’t really have any friends, but he’s passionate about robotics and bot competitions. Daniel has his heart set on winning a spot at billionaire Bernad’s elite bot camp. All he has to do is win the local bot wars competition against his fierce rival, Mary, and her machine, Big Bertha. This underdog story isn’t just about Daniel’s big dreams of wowing Bernard; it’s also about teamwork, leaning on others’ strengths, and learning to step up as a leader.

Keywords:

Bot Camp, Robotics, Bot Battle, Camp, 12-Year-Olds, Billionaire, Leadership, Winning, Competition

My Review:

Daniel’s story pulls the reader in because he needs to win, and he doesn’t just win from the get-go. His victories are earned, not handed to him. This story and watching Daniel face up against difficult challenges give readers a front-row seat to both the thrills of competition and the real-life challenges of becoming a good teammate and leader.

The author has made battle bots exciting because they play a pivotal role for both Daniel and the plot. The action, especially battle scenes, feels cinematic and very exciting, just like a Spy Kids movie.

This book concisely presents numerous lessons, yet packages them in an engaging way. There are many themes to grasp and learn from, such as friendship, teamwork, loyalty, empathy, and leadership, without feeling like they overwhelm the plot.

Daniel has never had many friends, let alone been the leader of a team, but he steps up when it counts to save the day. It’s easy to root for him. He rises to the occasion, but he’s not the only one. The author has created a diverse set of characters that are all brilliant in their own way. There are many ways to be a genius, creative, and/or good at something. The author naturally weaves in diversity without it feeling forced. Each of the many kids at bot camp has their own, albeit quick, backstory. They feel real and not reduced to a single defining characteristic.

The villain is exaggerated enough to feel fun and fitting in the story, just like the bad guy in Sonic or Minions.

The writing is surprisingly visual and accessible. Even readers not familiar with battle bots or robotics (like me) can follow the action and understand what is going on. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the action, just like Daniel does in the story.

This book will definitely make you want to watch a bot battle! It’s a great book for readers interested in robotics, battle bots, or simply a fun, quick book full of adventure. Parents and teachers, in particular, will appreciate the positive messages seamlessly embedded throughout.

This novel was published by Green Hill Publishing on 08/06/2025 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information

Goodreads

Book Review: HUMAN AGAIN: In the AI Age by J.D. Macpherson

HUMAN AGAIN: In the AI Age by J.D. Macpherson

A Nonfiction Novel published by Cairnstone Press on (11/26/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

This nonfiction book on human-computer interaction and AI semantics is centered on understanding and utilizing AI. The author presents AI as a tool, a partner, a co-thinker, an assistant, a force multiplier, and more. The author, a journalist first and foremost, delved into AI use as part of the research for this book. Along with personal experience, the author combines thorough research, providing citations throughout.

Keywords:

Nonfiction, AI, Technology, Humanity, Tool, ChatGPT

My Review:

Although the author says they aren’t explicitly pro-AI or anti-AI, the tone of the book is distinctly AI-forward. The author challenges readers to keep an open mind and offers a wide range of examples showing how AI is already useful, and increasingly necessary to understand and adopt. The concept the author returns to most often is intention in the use of AI.

This book is a journalist’s take on AI. The questions the author poses are uniquely searching and deep, often reading more like a research paper, complete with references at the end of each chapter.

Intertwined with the philosophy and nature of AI in our current moment are practical tips and tools such as avoiding the “AI ick,” creating an AI profile, and having deeper conversations with AI. The book’s real strength lies in the broader context it provides. Rather than a step-by-step guide, it functions as an instruction manual for what thoughtful use of the paid version of ChatGPT can look like and how to achieve that outcome.

The author makes a compelling case for AI’s real-world applications: AI tutoring can increase student engagement, AI brainstorming can help creatives become more innovative, and AI tools at work can improve both enjoyment and focus. The examples are concrete and easy to imagine applying to your own use of tools like ChatGPT and adopting them into your own life.

The core argument, that the future belongs to those who can balance AI efficiency with human insight, appears in different forms throughout the book. This repetition reinforces the idea that AI defines the current era, but meaning still belongs to humans. As the author puts it, “You’re not just shaping text, you’re curating meaning. Welcome to your new role: You, The Editor.” The book argues that AI doesn’t replace who you are but amplifies it. But as AI filters into everything technological and its competitive advantage erodes, intention becomes the true differentiator. Or perhaps, as Syndrome from The Incredibles famously said, “When everyone’s super, no one will be.”

This book is for anyone who hasn’t been paying attention to AI beyond headlines and social media rants. This book is for anyone wanting to start using Chat, level up their game using Chat, or level the playing field with intention.

This novel was published on 11/26/2025 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.50

Links for more information

Goodreads