Zoraida Grey and the Family Stones (Zoraida Grey #1)

SUSPENSE/THRILLER: A visit to Castle Logan in Scotland has Zoraida in awe  - and caught right in the middle of a family feud.  Her Granny did not tell her everything she needed to know before she sent her and Zhu, Zoraida’s best friend, to the castle.  All except Zhu are witches; sorcerers who create enchantments, spells and tap around in your head to read your thoughts.  Zoraida must use tremendous effort in order to keep the witches and sorcerers from reading her every thought.  Granny needs a magic crystal in order to heal herself. Zoraida and Zhu must get it out of Castle Logan and back home to Arkansas.

This spirited story has great insight to what it would be like to be able to read other people's minds.  The author intertwines details from past to present to create a charming connection to Zoraida’s childhood that gives readers instant relatability to her. Friendship to the end is written with a new twist for Zoraida and Zhu.  The characters grow in depth somewhat throughout the chapters and the story has a beautiful flow to it that makes it an easy read.  Although, in modern society, it seems a bit archaic how Michael and Shea are the fierce protectors of the secrets to Castle Logan. These Scotland lairds add conflict to Zoraida and Zhu characters. It is a light-hearted book with humorous sarcasm to keep the reader's interest.   Readers will eagerly await the next book in the series!

Laura Dinsdale