Nancy Drew Mobile Mysteries: Shadow Ranch (iPad) Review

Is it a book? Is it a game? Now you do not have to choose with the new Nancy Drew app for iPad (also for iPhone and iPod Touch). This new Mobile Mysteries series of gamebooks melds the elements of a great mystery novel with the interactive experience of a video game. You’re no longer just reading a Nancy Drew mystery; you’re fully engaged and influencing how the mystery unfolds as you play the story.

The first thing I notice when I start to "read" the book is that like a game you are allowed multiple save sessions, basically 6 people can be reading it without losing their place. The book is 8 chapters and as you read you notice highlighted words which when you click on them do different things. Some make the sound of the word, some are collections you collect throughout the story and some are descriptions and facts about the word. 

Each chapter has 7 collectibles for you to find, which unlock mini word games. Once all the games in each chapter are completed you then unlock solutions. (I am not sure exactly what since I have not completed the mini games yet. Too into the story.) While reading the story you also encounter the chance to play mini games, such as horse racing (which is a word game) and searching for items.  

The story reads well and I love how you can choose at certain points what you want to do. You can skip over horse racing, you can choose to search or not to search for  items and many others. As all Nancy Drew books and games there are also some great characters. 

Although it is different from any other Nancy Drew book or game it stays true to the Nancy Drew legacy with a great story filled with adventure and mystery. I always said that I would have a hard time reading books on the iPad because I love the feel of a book, but if they give me the sense of a game at the same time then I am sold!

Stay tuned for my review on the iPhone version of Nancy Drew Mobile Mysteries: Shadow Ranch. 

I received the app for Nancy Drew Mobile Mysteries: Shadow ranch for both the iPad and iPhone for review purposes as part of the Her Interactive AmbassadHer (and Him) program. All opinions expressed are my own and 100% honest.

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Low Entries!  Mr Bo. Finds a New Home and a New Name Autographed Book!


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Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner - A Review

      I recently read Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner and wanted to do a critic of the book. The story jumps between two different women, Jane Lindsey who lives in the present and Lucy Day, a dressmaker in the sixteenth-century.  What brings these two characters together in the story? A ring that is inscribed with the name Jane.  Jane Lindsey finds it amazing that her name is in the ring and wants to learn more, while Lucy is the dressmaker to Lady Jane Grey who we come to believe is the original owner of the ring.

            When I first read the description I was unsure how the book would play out, especially because it seemed it would jump between the two women and that can sometimes be hard to follow. I was also curious to see how the ring would link them and if the author could create a link that would actually work and be believable.

            I love books like this that are set in the past but it always makes me wonder what is fact and what is fiction. Messner is very upfront that the book is based on fact, but that there was no evidence that a ring every existed and that Lucy Day is a made up character.  I think this is important because so many people believe everything they read and with a story like this that is filled with emotions it is hard not to become attached and believe in it.

            Messner did a wonderful job relating the two Jane’s in the story. It took a little getting used to the fact that you never actually hear anything from Lady Jane’s perspective and instead it all comes from Lucy’s point of view. However after finishing the story I thought that it was a wise choice because servants back in the day where more open about what was going on, at least to each other.

            I was disappointed in the end because you do not really see what happened to Jane Lindsey, who was having marital issues, but you are left to imagine it on your own.  However I did like how the author included letters and advertisements (For estate sales) that tied how the ring made it from Lucy’s possession into the hands of Jane Lindsey.  I would definitely  read other stories by Susan Meissner.

Mr. Bo Finds a New Home and a New Name by Timothy Battle Review and Giveaway

"Mr. Bo Finds a New Home and a New Name" by Timothy Battle is the true story of the adoption of Linus the cat.  'There it was in big letters for all to see: Recommendation: Adopt.' He really was a nice, special male cat, and he knew soon he would be leaving this small cage for a large, comfortable house with his real name.' A cat temporarily named Linus is living in a cat adoption center dreaming of the day someone will take him home. When a man walks in the center, Linus is sure that he has spotted his new owner. He does everything he can to catch the man's attention: stays in the front of the cage, looks him in the eye, and even reaches his brown paw out to the man. But the man decides to think about his decision and heads out, leaving Linus to wonder when his magical day will come. Come along to see how Mr. Bo Finds a New Home and a New Name.' Told through the eyes of Linus (Mr. Bo) the story touches upon how a cat feels to be waiting for adoption day. 

This story has come to me at a time when we are without any pets (which is unusual for me) and when Big J has been asking for a new kitten. Sadly, due to financial reasons and worries about Little J and allergies we had to give up our two cats when Little J was a couple months old.  My husband and I have been talking about getting another kitten and the story of Mr. Bo is pushing me in the direction of "YES". For anyone who has adopted a pet or had one adopt you, you know that they do the choosing and you are just along for the ride. This is a great story for anyone with pets or looking to adopt one soon. Big J made me read it the very night we received it in the mail and loved it. 


Purchase:  Autographed copies of "Mr. Bo Finds a New Home" can be purchased at mrbobooks.com for $10.50. To learn more about Mr Bo visit his Facebook or Webpage

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One lucky reader will an autographed copy of "Mr. Bo Finds a New Home and a New Name".  (Open to US) Winner will also receive a e-Live link to download the audio version from the publisher.  Thanks to Family Review Network and Mr. Bo.

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This post was written for Family Review Network and Mr. Bo who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.