Staff & Reader Submitted

Apartment Hunting in Frisco? Here Are Five Tips to Make Your Search Easier

Culver Public Relations — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:12:26 Z

Frisco continues to be one of North Texas' most sought-after places to live thanks to its growing job market, convenient location, and welcoming community. If you're searching for an apartment, having a plan can make the process much easier.

Here are five tips to help you find the right fit:

Know your budget. Factor in rent, utilities, deposits, and any additional monthly fees before you start touring.
Identify your must-haves. Whether it's in-home laundry, covered parking, or a pet-friendly community, knowing your priorities will help narrow your search.
Consider the location. Think about your daily commute, nearby shopping and dining, and access to major roads like the Dallas North Tollway and Highway 121.
Take notes during tours. Pay attention to details like storage, natural light, and the overall feel of each community.
Review the lease carefully. Make sure you understand lease terms, renewal options, and community policies before signing.

Apartment hunting is about more than finding a place to live. It's about finding a community that fits your lifestyle.

For those exploring Frisco, The Links on PGA Parkway offers modern apartment homes, thoughtfully designed amenities, and convenient access to many of the dining, shopping, and recreation options that make the city such a great place to call home. Schedule a tour to see why so many residents are choosing to call The Links home.

Leap Distributors Levels Up in Dallas: Names Dave Ascani Chief Financial Officer

Krista Simmons — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:00:00 Z

Leap Distributors has named Dave Ascani chief financial officer (CFO). As CFO, Ascani will manage the companys finances and serve as an integral part of the executive management team.

Dave Ascani is a seasoned financial executive with a long and distinguished career of helping companies to achieve their financial goals and enable continued, strategic growth, said Leap Distributors CEO Allen Mason. We look forward to having him join us during this stage in our development.

Headquartered in Dallas, Leap Distributors is a national medical device distribution partner that provides sales coverage, contracting and GPO strategy, and end-to-end logistics for manufacturers and healthcare facilities. It supports more than 10,000 surgeries annually, partnering with more than 750 surgeons and 350 facilities, GPOs, and IDNs across the country.

These guys are the rock stars of medical device distribution, said Ascani. Im excited to join them as we work together to take Leap Distributors to the next level.

Ascani is a seasoned financial executive with more than 40 years of leadership expertise across a wide variety of industries, including distribution, manufacturing, telecommunications, software and logistics. A proven financial thought leader, Ascani specializes in driving the change that grows revenue, reduces costs and improves margins.

Previously, Ascani served as CFO of Network Wireless Solutions LLC, a wholesale distributor of cellular and fiber equipment, where he helped grow the company from $105 million to more than $260 million in annual revenue. Prior to that, he was CFO of the SaaS software company SecureNet Technologies, where he led the companys integration with an overseas hardware manufacturer, as well as the companys due diligence on a sale-exit transaction.

In previous roles, he served as CFO and CIO of Merit Distribution Group LLC, vice president of finance and accounting for ArrMaz Chemical Products, and CFO of the Wesgarde Components Group.

Before transitioning to the private sector, Ascani served in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of distinguished service. During his military career, Ascani was responsible for several key financial management programs and received federal recognition as one of the Air Forces top financial planning and analysis professionals.

He also served as the legislative liaison representing the Air Force on Capitol Hill. As such, Ascani is credited with being the principal force behind the approval of the strategic resources that still support U.S. forces in Southwest Asia today.

Ascani earned his bachelors degree in accounting from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He earned his MBA from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., with a focus on finance and investments.

New Texas A&M University College of Dentistry grads become leaders of programs that helped them

Stephanie Patrick — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:22:00 Z

Drs. Britni Duffie of Dallas, program aide in student affairs at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, and Dawn Miller McElroy of Garland, formerly a program aide, smile when someone mentions theyre new Class of 2026 dentists. They worked hard to earn dental degrees, and both have gold stars in perseverance.

Duffie said she attended nearly every predental program A&M Dentistry offers, while Miller McElroy called her path the scenic route to dentistry when describing her decade-plus academic climb. Thats why they led this years Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Programs, designed to provide high school and undergraduate students with opportunities to attend at no charge, with stipends, to learn about the dental profession and increase their chances of getting into both college and dental school.

I remember the long days and nights studying, the pressure to do well, the desire to know all you can to increase your chances of success in dental school admissions, and the nerves about applying to dental school, which many are in the process of doing at this moment, Duffie said. Its a critical and exciting time in their academic journeys and our understanding of that helped us to anticipate what questions they would have, how theyre feeling, and to offer resources and advice that helped us.

Part of the colleges Bridge to Dentistry academic enrichment programs for prekindergarten through college, SPEP and other initiatives are supported by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers of Excellence grants. High schoolers, college students and others have been on campus from late spring through the summer learning the basics of dentistry, conducting research and preparing for the admissions process.

A goal of Bridge to Dentistry is to grow health professionals who will address the needs of populations and communities that are underserved in dentistry, said Dr. Rosemarie Zartman, clinical associate professor of comprehensive dentistry and interim director of student development.

We encourage all of them to succeed in the programs and eventually give back in service, she said. These two doctors are now coming full circle and represent the success stories that we are able to be connected to every year.

More than 70 students enrolled in SPEP this year. Collegiate I and II for those with some college led the schedule and ran in May and June. The final session, SPEP 10 and 11 for rising high school sophomores and juniors, ran July 13-17.

Duffie entered SPEP as a rising junior in 2015 while also studying dental assisting in a Dallas Independent School District program at High School for Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. At Townview, she was mentored by Dr. Ernestine Lacy, professor and associate dean for student affairs, who oversaw the program before retiring in May.

Duffie later attended Texas Womans University in Denton, where she earned a bachelors in biology in 2021. She also attended A&M Dentistrys Collegiate programs in the summers.

Still, Duffie knew neither her grades nor her Dental Admission Test scores were high enough to impress dental school admissions officers. Enrollment in A&M Dentistrys dental class is capped at 106 students each year.

Duffie was rejected, but A&M Dentistry offered her a spot in the Post-Baccalaureate Program, which allows select applicants to take additional coursework at The University of Texas at Dallas for one year while also attending special courses at A&M Dentistry in two summers. Duffie welcomed that extra year and continues to appreciate the connections it provided her to others on similar tracks; Duffie met Miller McElroy in PBP.

Those who successfully complete the rigorous program are granted admission to A&M Dentistry.

By working with Dr. Miller McElroy and me, and hearing about our journeys, the students in this years SPEP can look at us and know that they will succeed and make it into dental school, Duffie said. I also hope they know there is no pressure to fit into anyone elses timeline, and our journeys toward dental school also serve as proof of that.

Miller McElroys ties to SPEP began her senior year at Garland High School in 2012-13, after she chose prehealthcare electives and took a field trip to A&M Dentistrys campus on Gaston Avenue. On a whim and attracted by stipends offered to students, Miller McElroy entered SPEP 12 the four-week program in June for rising high school seniors. Students learn about the dental profession, prepare for the SAT, visit colleges and work to improve their chances of admission into competitive institutions.

We learned how to wax a tooth and make lab models, she said.

Miller McElroy entered before attending The University of Texas at Dallas to earn a bachelors in healthcare studies. She was encouraged by Dr. Jonathan Clemetson, clinical faculty in comprehensive dentistry and a 2002 A&M Dentistry dental graduate, who continues to support SPEP students.

He talked about work-life balance, she said. If youre a dentist, you can still have time for family, you can have hobbies and you can enjoy your life while still being part of healthcareGoing into college, I knew I wanted to go into dentistry.

Miller McElroy also attended Collegiate I and Collegiate II. Each student takes two non-science courses at no charge at Dallas Colleges Mountain View Campus, then attends a preclinical course and a lab at A&M Dentistry and another course to prepare for the DAT. They also shadow dentists and dental students.

Its a commitment, and we want students to understand that, she said.

Miller McElroy struggled at UTD, in Collegiate II and on the DAT, despite doing well academically in high school. To improve her chances of acceptance to a dental college, she worked as an orthodontic assistant at a practice in Plano and took an extra year of classes at Southern Methodist University. Miller McElroy also worked at an Apple Store and took a brief career detour with a year-long ministry apprenticeship.

After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from A&M Dentistry in May and teaching the SPEP participants, Miller McElroy headed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to begin a one-year general dentistry residency at Philadelphia VA Healthcare System/Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She plans to enter private practice in the Dallas area when the residency ends.

Her drive resonated with Fredor Fred Bihizi, a student in Collegiate II, who took the class to prepare for the DAT and immerse himself in dentistry. Originally from Burundi, he earned a bachelors in nursing from the University of Maine but developed an interest in dentistry after a recent opportunity to shadow a dentist in Tarrant County.

Bihizi found the program while researching online. SPEP showed him what first-year dental students encounter and allowed him to gain insights from Miller McElroy and Duffie and to meet A&M Dentistry faculty, including Clemetson and Dr. Shaun Logan, instructional associate professor in biomedical sciences.

He works at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth and plans to take the DAT for the first time before the end of the year.

Im well prepared, and I feel like this is going to help me beyond the application..., Bihizi said. Im looking at how I can be successful in dental school, not only just getting in, but also being the best student I can be at the school and performing well.

A&M Dentistry is his first choice.

The application deadline for the Class of 2031 is Oct. 1. Nearly 1,500 applied to A&M Dentistry through Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service last year.

Duffie plans to go into general dentistry and wants meaningful work.

I got to experience what a joy it is to give back to the students the way others gave and poured into me, Duffie said. I truly enjoyed working with the summer programs, and I hope that any work I do in the future will be more driven by the desire to do work that is personally fulfilling than by external metrics of success.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - RATHUUN: KING OF THE PRAIRIE by David Fitz-Gerald, Narrated by John McClain

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:50:43 Z

Rathuun: King of the Prairie

David Fitz-Gerald

Riveting saga of the last days of the massive buffalo herds of the American West told from the viewpoint of the buffalo.

Rathuun: King of the Prairie by David Fitz-Gerald is the surprisingly riveting saga of the final days of the massive buffalo herds that roamed the plains of the American West as told through the eyes of a herd's leader. Rathuun was born at a time when his kind still migrated seasonally unimpeded by man across the vast continental grasslands. Only hours old, he was separated from his mother when the herd stampedes because of a bear attack on his twin. Young Rathuun, frozen in fright, is a witness to the huge creature killing and eating his twin brother, but he is reunited with his herd through the efforts of two young Native American boys. From this tragic and unusual start, Rathuun narrates the rest of his life and the experiences of the herd as their home, the open prairies, change as human population begins its unrelenting westward expansion.

Rathuun and his fellow herd members live a full existence, always on the move, searching for the buffalo version of "The Promised Land" as passed down through generations from their ancestors' stories of the great mammoths that once shared the same grazing lands. The buffalo include many different characters, some good, some bad, some wise, and many gullible. Rathuun's life is dedicated to keeping the herd safe, first as a young bull assigned to the perimeter as lookout and later as the leader of the great herd. The author incorporated actual herd behavior and mentality into the plot as they migrate from one point to another, following hidden trails by instinct.

As humans make their way into the buffaloes' traditional grazing lands, the encounters become dangerous for all, as the creatures are mercilessly hunted for their hides, tails, and tongues. On occasion, the herd runs across a human who is content to let them just be, but it is rare, as the animals represent value and opportunity for gain to the human population.

Besides their encounters with deadly humans, there is drama internal to the herd as alliances to the old lead buffalo wane and a new leader emerges. Rival herd leaders offer some competition to Rathuun, but he proves over and over that he's a worthy fighter and capable leader.

The language used in the story includes buffalo terms for common items important to their existence. The herd is a brum, the lead bull is the grath. They depend on hruun (grass) for sustenance and head to the tukk (river or other water body) to drink. There is a link to a Buffalo language guide on the author's website along with other helpful and interesting items. The audiobook version is ably narrated by John McClain, who absolutely breezes through the unusual terminology and gives different, contrasting voices to the buffalo characters. His performance as Rathuun is perfect and his portrayals of the other male buffaloes are especially notable.

The story is compelling reading, full of tragedy as the impact of human expansion on the buffalo is ultimately devastating. However, the tale does end on a hopeful note as efforts to safeguard the last of the herd begin to show positive results, but I cried my heart out as Rathuun's story came to its expected conclusion.

I recommend RATHUUN: KING OF THE PRAIRIE to readers of western fiction who are looking for something a little bit different.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - RATHUUN: KING OF THE PRAIRIE by David Fitz-Gerald, Narrated by John McClain

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:50:43 Z

Rathuun: King of the Prairie

David Fitz-Gerald

Riveting saga of the last days of the massive buffalo herds of the American West told from the viewpoint of the buffalo.

I recommend RATHUUN: KING OF THE PRAIRIE to readers of western fiction who are looking for something a little bit different.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

BOOK REVIEW: DASHING THROUGH THE SHOW (WIGGLE BUTT MANOR MYSTERY, #2) by Cindy Goyette

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 16:10:42 Z

Dashing Through the Show

Wiggle Butt Manor Mystery, #2

Cindy Goyette

Mystery, murder, mutts, and romance during the holiday season.

Dashing Through the Show is the second book in veteran author Cindy Goyettes fun, Pacific Northwest-set Wiggle Butt Manor Mystery series, and it features mystery, murder, and a load of loyal puppers. Charlie Calderbank travels across the country to her Aunt Jo-Jos hometown of Orca Cove on an island off the coast of Washington state, with a truckload of home goods and her faithful cocker spaniel, Noah. Her return coincides with the grand opening of Jo-Jos dream addition to her Wiggle Butt Manor dog hotel, the first dog agility course on the tiny island. Her aunts business partner, Martha, is even able to talk a famous former son of Orca Cove who has made a name for himself in the world of dog training and agility championships into opening the course with his champion dog, Bentley. However, the obnoxious and rude man seems to have offended everyone he came in contact with in the community, including a murderer.

Charlie is such a sweet person and loving dog-mom to her own Noah and the wild and wily Maya, the adopted dog of the recently deceased Lucy Masanovea, whose murder case Charlie pursued in the previous book in the series. Charlie is struggling with her health and her recent diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and needs to share this and her feelings with those she loves. She worries that her sentence of such a lifelong debilitating illness will end her burgeoning relationship with local Orca Cove police officer Nick Sabato, one of the main reasons she decided to uproot her life in New Jersey and relocate so far away.

In the meantime, Nick is overwhelmed by his surprise new role as father to sulky teenage daughter, Kyleigh. As the face of law enforcement in the community, he must sideline his plans to pursue a relationship with Charlie when she becomes a person of interest in a murder case. Still, there is some intense chemistry between the two, leftover from their introduction to each other in book one.

The plot revs up quickly and maintains a brisk pace until the final pages, as Charlie becomes the focus of the murder investigation and must try to clear her own name by finding the real killer. I had no idea how invested I was in the people of Orca Cove until I began reading this book and became so annoyed by any interruptions! The investigation to discover the truth is well-done, and there were some good suspects to cross off the list as the dead man had made many enemies.

I recommend DASHING THROUGH THE SHOW to readers of cozy mysteries, especially those who enjoy stories with dogs or Pacific Northwest settings.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: DASHING THROUGH THE SHOW (WIGGLE BUTT MANOR MYSTERY, #2) by Cindy Goyette

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 16:10:42 Z

Dashing Through the Show

Wiggle Butt Manor Mystery, #2

Cindy Goyette

Mystery, murder, mutts, and romance during the holiday season.

I recommend DASHING THROUGH THE SHOW to readers of cozy mysteries, especially those who enjoy stories with dogs or Pacific Northwest settings.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

Dallas Families Invited to Free Back-to-School Event with Backpacks, School Supplies and Shoes

Culver Public Relations — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:40:17 Z

As families across North Texas prepare for the first day of school, Dream Center Dallas is inviting the community to a morning focused on helping local children start the year with confidence.

On Saturday, August 1, beginning at 10 a.m., Dream Center Dallas will host its annual Back-to-School event at 1900 S. Ewing Ave., Dallas, TX 75216, providing free backpacks, school supplies and shoes for children while supplies last.

With the cost of school essentials continuing to rise, the event helps ease the financial burden for local families while creating a fun day for the community. Children must be present to receive supplies, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to receiving school essentials, families can enjoy games, food and activities throughout the morning, making it a celebration as students prepare for a new school year.

"Every child deserves to begin the school year feeling confident, prepared and supported," said Kacie Kintz, Director of Dream Center Dallas. "Our annual Back-to-School event is about more than providing backpacks and school supplies. It's about showing families that their community is behind them and investing in the success of every student."

Community members who would like to support the event can still get involved by volunteering or making a donation.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Dream Center Dallas, 1900 S. Ewing Ave., Dallas, TX 75216

Volunteer: https://www.dreamcenterdallas.com/events

Donate: https://dreamcenterdallas-bloom.kindful.com/

For more information about Dream Center Dallas and its year-round work serving North Texas families through education, hunger relief, homelessness outreach, addiction recovery, abuse prevention and human trafficking awareness, visit www.dreamcenterdallas.com.

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: INDIGO, THE DEEP (YELLOW COTTAGE STORIES, #3) by Kellye Abernathy

KAREN SIDDALL — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 19:26:15 Z

Indigo, The Deep

The Yellow Cottage Stories, #3

Kellye Armstrong

Return to Dipitous Beach and surrender to the pull of the Autumn Equinox.

Indigo, The Deep is the third book in author Kellye Abernathys magical middle-grade fantasy series, the Yellow Cottage Stories, and there is excitement and self-understanding throughout as the storylines established in the previous novels come together. Told through multiple points of view, the young residents of Dipitous Beach face big challenges from both outside their community and inside themselves.

The ugly, black research ship anchored off the shoreline of Dipitous Beach not only mars everyones lovely view of the ocean, but its occupants careless activities below water are destroying the local ecosystem and drawing sharks to the perfect surf spot. While the residents grumble, so far, they have been unable to halt the operations that are more geared toward making a profit than adding to the knowledge of the ocean. In addition, newcomers to the area, drawn by the expensive new housing development under construction and the massive new marina, are racing speedboats through the surf, oblivious to the damage they are causing in the local sea turtle habitat. Then, too, the autumn equinox brings its own changes to the ocean. In the previous two years, the ocean has revealed its magical secrets to one young resident, and Condi and Isaac wonder who will be next?

Author Kellye Abernathy continues the stories of the families in the small coastal town: Condi Bloom, Grand Ella, and their fosters: Firth, Cissy, and Malcolm; Tad, Cara, Lorelei, and Gabby Finch; Abe and Isaac Huddleston; the Arondales; Kait Dooley; Andy Marshall; Trippy; and the rest of the Beachlings. The story is about discovering ones heart, living your own life and not someone elses dream; releasing false memories; learning to establish boundaries that respect how you will be treated by others; and letting go of and healing from the past to move on to a happier future. This story explores the pursuit of knowledge and profit and how it must be balanced with preserving the environment and adding to the greater good. All these important concepts are delivered in a gripping seaside tale, with magical underwater adventures.

I loved the northern California coastal setting, which the author makes so broodingly atmospheric and filled with dark, hidden dangers on the surface, while another light and color-filled world exists just below. The young characters are well-drawn, engaging, and it was easy to connect with their emotional and physical dilemmas. My favorite character remains Condi Bloom, and I already know that her frightening journey through the sea caves with Firth is going to stay with me for a long time.

While this book can be read as a standalone, the histories of the main characters are deep and complex, with the backstories presented in this book only touching the surface. I feel that this book would best be enjoyed after having read the previous novels in the series. I recommend INDIGO, THE DEEP and the rest of the YELLOW COTTAGE STORIES to readers of middle-grade fantasy.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: WHITEOUT by R.S. Burnett

KAREN SIDDALL — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 08:00:00 Z

Whiteout

R.S. Burnett

A riveting psychological thriller set in Antarctica as the world teeters on the edge of destruction.

Whiteout by R.S. Burnett is the riveting tale of a researcher who leaves her husband and toddler daughter at home in England to participate in a hastily launched research mission in Antarctica to collect critical data about the imminent collapse of a massive ice shelf. Based alone at a remote substation in the interior of the continent, Dr. Rachael Beckett suddenly loses contact with the rest of the team at their base camp and begins receiving a daily repeat radio broadcast from the UK that the rest of the world has been involved in a nuclear war. The grim details of the broadcast lead her to believe that the worst has occurred to her family, and the continued silence from the base camp may mean shes the last survivor on Earth in the most inhospitable location possible. As her situation gets more and more dire, as her supplies dwindle and her shelter begins to fail, Rachael decides she must try to make her way back to the larger back camp, hoping to find others still there.

Rachael Beckett makes a big decision to resurrect her career and follow her conscience to procure the data to help avert an ecological disaster of massive proportions, but the price she pays, leaving her husband and child behind, is huge. Even before disaster struck on the mission, she worried about the ramifications of her choice on her future with her small family. The fear and stress of this decision haunt her psychologically as she journeys back to her teams base camp. The scenes that play out in her mind are vivid and unsettling. Her determination to get to each new shelter is the only thing that keeps her going. Finding out that shes not exactly alone is a twist that keeps on turning as the story continues and suspense increases.

Audiobook narrator Billie Fulford-Brown does an excellent job of portraying Rachael and the other speaking characters, giving each a distinct voice that helps listeners recognize who is speaking. Her pacing enhanced the narration, and her flawless pronunciation made the performance suspenseful and believable.

I recommend WHITEOUT to readers and listeners who enjoy thrillers, suspense, and even post-apocalyptic tales, especially those with an interest in stories set in Antarctica.

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

Texas Back-to-School Vaccines: A Parents Guide from Carrollton Regional Medical Center

Liz McGathey — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:00:00 Z

Learn about Texas school vaccine requirements, why immunizations matter, and how Carrollton Regional Medical Center can help your child start the school year healthy.

As families prepare for another school year, its easy to focus on shopping for backpacks, notebooks, and new clothes. But one of the most important back-to-school tasks isnt found on a school supply list making sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations.

Schools bring children together in close contact every day, making it easier for contagious illnesses to spread. Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases while also helping prevent outbreaks that can affect classmates, teachers, grandparents, and others in the community.

In Texas, students must meet state immunization requirements before attending school. Required vaccines include protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox). Students entering seventh grade are also required to receive a Tdap booster and one dose of the meningococcal vaccine. Parents should review their childs immunization record well before school starts to ensure all required vaccines have been received.

Keeping vaccinations current does more than satisfy school requirements it helps protect children from diseases that can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, and missed days of school.

A back-to-school visit is also the perfect time to schedule your childs annual wellness exam. These appointments allow healthcare providers to monitor growth and development, perform sports or school physicals, answer questions about nutrition and mental wellness, and ensure children are ready for a successful academic year.

If your child has fallen behind on vaccinations, dont panic. Your healthcare provider can recommend a catch-up schedule that helps your child become protected as quickly and safely as possible. Texas also allows provisional enrollment in certain situations while students complete required vaccine series under an approved schedule.

At Carrollton Regional Medical Center, were committed to helping families start the school year healthy and prepared. Whether your child needs routine immunizations, a wellness check, or a school or sports physical, our healthcare team is here to help.

Dont wait until the last minute. Schedule your childs back-to-school appointment today and give them the protection they need for a healthy, confident start to the new school year. Healthy students learn better, miss fewer school days, and help create a safer environment for everyone.

Head back to class with confidence and give your child a healthy start to the school year by scheduling an appointment with the Castle Hills Medical Group today. Call 469-459-8899 or visit castlehillsmedicalgroup.com.

Carrollton Regional Medical Center is a 216 - bed Acute Care Hospital managed by Sana Healthcare. CRMC serves Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Lewisville, The Colony, and other surrounding communities. CRMC offers an array of services including 24/7 Emergency Care, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Imaging Services, Rehabilitation and Therapy Services, Cancer Care, a 16- bed Intensive Care Unit, Surgical Services, and an Inpatient Orthopedic Center of Excellence. Our Womens Imaging Center is just two blocks north of the hospital and provides 3D digital mammography and other specialized breast procedures. CRMC is here to serve its community with high quality, patient-focused care, close to home. Visit www.crmc.health.

Texas Womans University to unveil permanent sculpture by artist Bianca Beck

Kathy Beazley — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:17:21 Z

In celebration of its 125th anniversary, Texas Womans University has selected Portland-based artist Bianca Beck to create a site-specific, permanent outdoor installation marking the universitys 125th anniversary and the culmination of its Dream Big fundraising campaign, which concludes this year and is expected to exceed its $125 million goal. The artwork will be on view from October 24, 2026 on the universitys Denton campus.

The artwork will consist of three large-scale, biomorphic sculptures fabricated in fiberglass with steel armatures, designed to withstand the elements while maintaining a dynamic sense of movement and transformation. Conceived as body doubles, these forms evoke the Platonic myth of an original, unified human body, reimagined here as fluid, intertwined figures that shift in appearance as viewers move around them. Becks sculptures occupy a space between painting and sculpture, their vividly expressive surfaces responding intuitively to form and environment, and activating the surrounding landscape through color, scale, and gesture.

These figures are not fixed, Beck notes. They are in the act of becoming. They are shaped as much by the viewers movement and perception as by their own internal logic. What appears as a solitary stride may, from another vantage point, become an embrace. Im interested in how we hold multiplicity, and how identity, community, and resilience emerge through connection.

In recent years, Beck has expanded their practice into increasingly ambitious public and outdoor presentations, with works exhibited at institutions including the Ulrich Museum of Art, Wichita, KS; deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, MA; the Shelburne Museum of Art, Shelburne, VT; and the FLAG Art Foundation, New York, NY. Beck will open a solo exhibition of new large-scale indoor sculptures at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art this May.

Becks special presentation has been commissioned to celebrate Texas Womans 125^th anniversary and the successful conclusion of Dream Big, the universitys first comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Texas Womans is the nations first and only woman-focused university system, with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Established by the Texas Legislature in 1901 as a small industrial training college for women, the university has grown into a Carnegie-classified R2 research institution nationally recognized for student experience, social and economic mobility, and academic quality. Recent milestones include the opening of a $107 million Health Sciences Center and the launch of the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences, a woman-focused aviation program. The university is widely known for its leadership in nursing, education, the health professions, nutrition, the arts and sciences, and business.

A defining element of Becks installation is its aesthetic alignment with the three pillars of the Dream Big campaignOpen Doors, Fuel Innovation, and Cultivate Gritcreating a visual expression of movement, transformation, and resilience.

Becks work embodies the spirit of the Dream Big campaign, said Jaime Porter, TWUs vice president for university advancement and alumni engagement. These sculptures speak to growth, creative movement and strength qualities reflected in our students, alumni and donors.

The exhibition will be accompanied by student performances and related anniversary programming, inviting students, faculty, and the broader community to engage with the work and its themes. Additional details will be announced later atdreambig.twu.edu

About the Artist

Bianca Beck (b. 1979, Columbus, OH) earned a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA and an MFA from Yale University, New Haven, CT. The artist has participated in exhibitions at the Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT; Beeler Gallery at Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, OH; the Contemporary Art at MECA, Porland, ME; Contemporary Art Matters, Columbus, OH; Opelvillen Rüsselsheim, Rüsselsheim, Germany; V1 Gallery, Copenhagen, Denmark; the FLAG Art Foundation, New York, NY; White Columns, New York, NY; and Cheim & Read, New York, NY; among others. In 2024, Beck had a solo presentation at Matéria, Detroit, MI. Beck currently has work on view at Summit Public Art, Summit, NJ and Art Omi Sculpture Park, Ghent, NY. They are a recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including the Helen Winternitz Award for Excellence in Painting at Yale University, New Haven, CT; The Ox-Bow School of Art Fellowship Program, Saugatuck, MI; and Artist-in-Residence at Complimenta, Ithaca, NY. Becks work is in the permanent collection of the Dallas Art Museum, Dallas, TX, and the Rachofsky Collection, Dallas, TX. Beck lives and works in Portland, ME.

About Texas Womans University

Founded in 1901, Texas Womans University (TWU) is the nations largest university system focused on women. For 125 years, TWU has advanced a mission of expanding opportunity through education, innovation, and leadership. Today, TWU is a Carnegie-classified R2 institution with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston, offering programs across the liberal arts and sciences, nursing, health sciences, business, and education.

Committed to access, affordability, and student success, TWU continues to prepare students for impact in a global society while driving research that addresses critical issues in health, education, and community wellbeing.

BOOK REVIEW: A SUPERHERO CALLED DOBERMAN (THE SUPERHERO DOBERMAN, #1) by John & Shami Stovall

KAREN SIDDALL — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:40:10 Z

A Superhero Called Doberman

The Superhero Doberman, #1

John and Shami Stovall

A super origin story for this new superhero series!

A Superhero Called Doberman is the first book in John and Shami Stovalls The Superhero Doberman series featuring an alternate world where everyone born in the last 30 years has a superpower, superheroes are licensed and closely monitored, and vigilantism is strictly prohibited. Leon Lewiss omega-trait is enhanced vision, but he is also the victim of a family curse known as the Visage of Anubis, which transforms him into the physical embodiment of the seven-foot-tall, jackal-headed, ancient Egyptian god of death. When in his Anubis form, Leon has greater strength and speed but also the ability to sense how close someone is to their death. However, it also curses any relationships Leon has, and anyone hes ever gotten close to dies.

Set in Sacramento, California, Leons hometown has experienced a recent upturn in the kidnapping of young women and some men. When Rachel Anderson, his next-door neighbor, is targeted by the Kings in Yellow, the gang behind the kidnappings, Leon takes on a protective role. But as the gang members dont recognize his Anubis guise, they dub him the Doberman instead.

Leon is such a great guy, and despite his superpowers, he gets tongue-tied in Rachels presence. It was so tragic that with the danger the curse poses to anyone he gets close to always on his mind, hes deliberately isolated himself from others. He works as an Uber driver and Door Dasher to make ends meet, but sadly for the short intervals of human contact the jobs also provide. His loneliness is almost palpable. He manages his feelings with a quick wit and laugh-out-loud commentary, a trait not completely appreciated by the official superhero in the neighborhood, Steelant. I had so many feelings as they became friends.

The plot hits the ground running, with an early confrontation with a couple of the Kings in Yellow as they try to snatch Rachel, and the pace continues throughout with many well-choreographed fight scenes. Not only does the story have the emotional feels, but there is quite a lot of action, plot twists, and a big misunderstanding.

I recommend A SUPERHERO CALLED DOBERMAN to readers of action/adventure and superhero tales.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke Makes a Splash with One Ton of Ice

Carolyn Alvey — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:00:21 Z

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke gave North Texas families an icy escape from the summer heat Monday afternoon by dumping more than 2,000 pounds one full ton of ice into the parks wave pool.

Children and families gathered around the wave pool for a countdown before Hawaiian Falls team members released the ice, creating a refreshing splash and plenty of cool summer fun.

The annual Hawaiian Falls Ice Dump has become a popular tradition for families looking for a memorable way to beat the North Texas heat.

Nothing says summer in North Texas quite like one ton of ice splashing into a wave pool, said Ron Mckenzie, director of marketing for Hawaiian Falls. Our annual ice dump gives families a fun and memorable way to cool off together while making the most of these hot summer days.

Following the dump, children swam through the wave pool, collected pieces of ice and enjoyed a brief break from the summer temperatures.

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke is open throughout the summer and features attractions for guests of all ages, including a wave pool, water slides, a lazy river and interactive play areas.

Hawaiian Falls 2026 special events include:

Dive in Movie July 24 in Mansfield, Roanoke, and
in Waco.
Aloha Back to School Supply Drive July 27 August 9

Hawaiian Falls operates family-friendly water parks in Mansfield, Roanoke and Waco, Texas. Each park offers water attractions and experiences designed to help families spend time together and create lasting summer memories. For additional information, visit hfalls.com.

Grammy-Award Winning Band Director Set to Return to South Oak Cliff High School

Cynthia Smoot — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:02:08 Z

Dr. William D. Allen is proud to announce his appointment as the new Director of Bands for Dallas ISDs South Oak Cliff High School, effective for the 20262027 school year. A Grammy Award-winning music educator, accomplished musician, and nationally recognized leader in arts education, Dr. Allen will return to the campus where he previously helped elevate the Nu Soul of the South marching band into national prominence. For Dr. Allen, the appointment represents more than a professional milestone, it is a homecoming. Returning to the "School of Champions" offers an opportunity to continue building a program rooted in excellence, discipline, leadership, and opportunity for every student.

During his previous tenure at South Oak Cliff High School, Dr. Allen led the Nu Soul of the South Band during a period of national recognition, culminating in the program receiving the 2021 GRAMMY Museum Signature Schools Award, one of the nation's highest honors recognizing outstanding achievement in school music education. The award celebrated the dedication of the students, staff, families, and community that have long supported the program's tradition of excellence.

Today, Dr. Allen returns with a vision to build upon that legacy by developing musicians who excel not only on the performance field and concert stage, but also in the classroom and in their communities.

"South Oak Cliff is more than a school, it's family," said Dr. William D. Allen. "Returning home to lead the Nu Soul of the South is both an honor and a responsibility. This isn't about picking up where we left off; it's about building the next generation of leaders, musicians, and champions. Together, we'll honor the legacy that has been established while creating new opportunities for every student who walks through our band hall doors."

Dr. Allen brings more than a decade of experience as a music educator, performer, arts administrator, and nonprofit leader. Beyond his work in public education, he founded the Texas Supremacy of Music & Arts Conservatory (TSMAC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to music and performing arts education for youth throughout North Texas. His leadership across education and nonprofit service reflects a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for young people through music and the arts.

As Director of Bands, Dr. Allen's primary focus will be leading and growing the South Oak Cliff band program while inspiring students to pursue excellence in music, academics, leadership, and service. Under Dr. Allen's leadership, the Nu Soul of the South Band will focus on:

Developing exceptional musicians and student leaders

Expanding college scholarship opportunities

Strengthening academic achievement and character development

Increasing community engagement and alumni involvement

Building one of the premier high school marching band programs in Texas

Known throughout Texas as the "School of Champions," South Oak Cliff High School has earned statewide recognition for excellence in academics, athletics, and the performing arts. The campus has celebrated multiple UIL Football State Championships and continues to build upon a tradition defined by resilience, discipline, and community pride. The vision for the Nu Soul of the South extends beyond performances. It is centered on preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success while strengthening the program's legacy as one of the most respected high school band programs in Texas. Student registration for the 20262027 Nu Soul of the South Band is now open for incoming students in grades 912. Families interested in joining the program are encouraged to contact South Oak Cliff High School or follow the Nu Soul of the South social media platforms for additional information and upcoming events.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: THE NIGHTMARE (KILLER INSTINCT/JOONA LINNA, #2) by Lars Kepler

KAREN SIDDALL — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:00:00 Z

The Nightmare

Killer Instinct/Joona Linna, #2

Lars Kepler

Narrated by Saul Reichlin

Two seemingly unrelated murders and a professional hit man, who is stalking a young political activist, make for a twisty, intricate tale.

The Nightmare is the second book in the Killer Instinct series by Lars Kepler (the Swedish husband-and-wife writing team of Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril) and features Detective Inspector Joona Linna of Swedens National Operations Department. It is a twisty tale of murder, professional hitmen, political corruption, and manipulation. When Penelope Fernandez and her fiancé, Bjorn, headed out for a relaxing weekend on his boat, they were joined at the last minute by her sister, who needed a change of scenery and a distraction from her recent romantic breakup. Instead, her sister is murdered on the boat, and Penelope and Bjorn must run for their lives from the killer through the wild terrain of the secluded lake shoreline. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Joona Linna is investigating the suspiciously staged-looking suicide of a highly placed government official when he gets word of the body of a young woman found aboard a boat adrift on the water. With the victims sister and the sisters fiancé missing, the race to find out what happened is on!

Joona Linna is a thoughtful, observant, and obstinate detective, confident in his ability to read a crime scene and know exactly what occurred there. Hes adamant about his theories and willing to push his superiors to the limits to follow his instincts. While at times socially awkward, he is still able to lend comfort to his coworkers and crime victims when needed. In these cases, which slowly begin to converge, hes up against an incredibly talented professional killer and a powerful mastermind directing his moves from the shadows.

The story is deliberately plotted, and it takes some time for Joona to connect the dots that show the two cases are related. Readers get to know a little more about the police team members, which raises the stakes when the characters cross into dangers path. I really enjoyed the use of classical music, performances, traveling musicians, and priceless instruments in unraveling the mystery. Saul Reichlin gives an excellent performance narrating and providing the various characters with distinctive voices whether they are male, female, old, young, or of different nationalities.

While this book is the second in the series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. However, the previous novel is truly a must-read for mystery lovers. I recommend THE NIGHTMARE to readers of suspense, traditional mysteries, and police procedurals, especially those with a taste for Nordic settings.

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Guatemala Paula Loves to Read.

Memory problems that develop with age: whats normal, whats not

Culver Public Relations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:30:09 Z

Many people wonder if their memory problems are a normal part of aging, or if it may indicate a more serious condition. The good news is that most memory changes are nothing to be concerned about. Not every slip or mistake means there is something serious going on.

Many older adults notice changes in their memory. They might forget a name, misplace their keys, or lose track of why they walked into a room. These moments can feel scary, and its common to think about dementia or even Alzheimers disease, but gradual shifts in memory over time are normal. As people age, their bodies undergo a range of natural changes, including in the brain.

How does aging affect memory?

The brain, like the rest of the body, slows down with age. Blood flow in the brain may decrease and communication between brain cells may become less efficient (Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging | National Institute on Aging). Brain volume can also shrink with age.

Because of this, some older adults may occasionally take longer to recall information, have trouble multitasking or forget appointments. They may also experience a decline in the ability to remember events (episodic memory). While occasional forgetfulness is normal, serious memory problems are not.

It may be time to speak with a doctor about the possibility of dementia if you or a loved one start asking the same questions repeatedly, get lost in familiar places or have trouble making decisions. Other symptoms may include:

Trouble following directions or recipes
Neglecting personal hygiene or safety
Changes in mood and personality

Here are other differences between normal age-related forgetfulness and dementia:

Normal aging	Dementia
Forgetting things sometimes	Forgetting things often and not remembering later
Making occasional bad decisions	Consistently poor judgment
Forgetting to pay one bill	Unable to manage finances
Forgetting the date but recalling it later	Losing track of time completely
Trouble thinking of a word sometimes	Trouble having conversations

Other symptoms of dementia include language problems, personality changes and problem-solving difficulties. Some people may have mood or behavior changes such as confusion or withdrawal from social activities.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Some older adults develop a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). People with MCI may have ongoing memory problems that cause them to miss appointments, lose track of conversations or have trouble remembering recent events. People with MCI can still manage daily tasks and drive. Because they dont usually need help with everyday activities, they can remain independent and live on their own.

Types of mild cognitive impairment

There are two main types of MCI, amnestic, which is memory-related, and non-amnestic, which affects thinking, including attention, reasoning and judgement. Aging is the biggest risk factor for developing MCI, but brain changes, medical conditions such as depression and diabetes, and lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity and poor diet also may contribute to it. Other causes, which are sometimes reversible, are side effects from medications, alcohol use and sleep problems.

MCI is fairly common, especially among older adults. About 12-18% of people ages 60-64 have it and about 10-20% of people 65 and older have it, but dont realize it because the symptoms seem like normal aging.

MCI can raise the risk of getting dementia, but not always. Annually, about 10-15% of people with MCI develop dementia, and about 33% may develop it within five years. However, some people with MCI stay the same over time, and some may improve.

How MCI is diagnosed

There is no single test for detecting MCI. Visit a doctor to be evaluated if you or a loved one have symptoms. An evaluation may include a complete medical history, blood work, a description of symptoms, cognitive tests, descriptions of symptoms from family members and possibly brain imaging tests.

Promoting brain health

There are some actions that may help brain health, among them regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, engaging in mental activities such as doing puzzles or learning a new language, and social interaction.

Its also important to get enough quality sleep hours and manage stress [helpdementia.com].

What other conditions can affect memory?

Not all memory problems are caused by aging or dementia. Medical causes include head injuries such as concussions, blood clots or tumors; thyroid, kidney or liver problems, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress may also affect memory.

When to talk to a doctor

WellMed clinicians perform a cognitive assessment as part of the annual wellness screening to detect early mild cognitive impairment as part of the Medicare annual wellness visit. If you or a loved one has not had such a screening in the past year, talk to your doctor, especially if you or a loved ones memory problems are getting worse, start interfering with daily activities, or family and friends notice problems.

The most important thing is to keep track of changes. If memory problems begin to affect daily life, its time to speak with a doctor.

With the right care, support and healthy habits, many people continue to live full and meaningful lives as they age.

WellMed Medical Management is a leading health care delivery organization that works to positively impact the health of nearly two million patients throughout Texas and Florida through primary care clinics, multi-specialty clinics, contracted medical management services and ancillary support services and companies. Founded in 1990, the companys vision is to change the face of health care delivery for the nation. As part of Optum, one of the nations largest health and wellness companies, WellMed focuses on providing quality patient care with an emphasis on prevention.

Courtesy of WellMed, by Jyothi Rereddy, MD

Sources

National Institute on Aging (NIH). Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alzheimers Disease and Dementia Signs and Symptoms. https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/signs-symptoms/index.html
Alzheimers Research & Prevention Foundation (ALZRA). Difference Between Normal Aging and Dementia. https://www.alzra.org/blog/difference-between-normal-aging-and-dementia/
World Health Organization (WHO). Healthy Aging Overview.
Research studies on cognitive aging and memory (as referenced in provided material).

Taylor accepted as a Fellow of the American Dental Education Association Council of Deans

Stephanie Patrick — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:16:00 Z

Dr. Reginald Taylor, associate professor and director of predoctoral orthodontics at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, was recently accepted into the American Dental Education Association Council of Deans Fellowship Program for 2026-27. The program helps future leaders succeed as deans or other high-level university administrators.

Taylor is A&M Dentistrys first Fellow of the council.

I am preparing to be a dean , he said. Where, I havent narrowed that down yet, but it will be a place where I think I can do the most good and I can use my skill sets the best to help the institution.

ADEA developed the program in response to a recognized need to help the next generation of leaders gain exposure to the unique complexities, activities and people that deans and other top academic leadership face in their roles. Fellows receive intense mentoring from their deans, visit other institutions to receive additional mentoring and engage in formal leadership-development activities with mentors and peers both onsite and online.

The Fellows complete career development plans, and each participant develops a capstone project. Taylor is researching a potential satellite clinic for the 120-year-old dental college.

There have been some thoughts in that direction, but no one, to my knowledge, has gotten all the players together so we can hash out whats needed and, most important, how and by whom the endeavor will be financed, he said.

Dr. Lily T. García, A&M Dentistrys dean, approved Taylors research endeavor. She encouraged Taylor to seek input from Dr. Jacqueline Plemons, clinical professor in periodontics and director of external affairs; Dr. Jennifer Barrington, associate dean for clinical affairs; Dr. Liang Hong, head of public health sciences; and Dr. Erica Teixeira, head of comprehensive dentistry.

Dr. Taylors selection for the ADEA Council of Deans Fellowship program is a testament to his leadership and vision for the future of dental education, García said. His exploration of a potential satellite clinic aligns with our commitment to expanding access to care and preparing our college to meet the evolving oral health needs of the communities we serve for the last 120 years and beyond.

The Fellows will submit their research findings in late February. The other four Fellows are from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine.

Taylor will celebrate 26 years of working at A&M Dentistry in August. He served as associate dean of graduate and professional programs for three years and learned how effective deans are in helping students in all departments.

Communication is the key and not just talking to people but listening to people and communicating at all levels, he said. At least making sure that effective communication is taking place at all levels; if you cant physically get to a group of people, you want to have someone who can and will take the message, the coordinated message, to them. You have to let people know that you are listening.

Taylor received his dental degree from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1987 and his orthodontics certificate and Doctor of Medical Science in oral biology in 1992 from Harvard and the Forsyth Dental Center. His first full-time faculty position was at the University of Alabama, where he taught pre- and post-doctoral orthodontics.

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: BOBBY BIN'S BUSY DAY by Rina Croft

KAREN SIDDALL — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:00 Z

Bobby Bins Busy Day

Rina Croft

Follow an unsung hero through his busy day of trash removal and recycling.

Bobby Bins Busy Day by Rina Croft is a vividly illustrated, interesting, and fun peek into the job of an island sanitation worker. Bobby is happy and confident in his job, keeping his island home free of trash, and in his actions, which make the most of what he collects while protecting the environment.

Rina Croft uses deep, vibrant colors in her vivid illustrations of Bobbys job, life, and the role he plays in the larger picture of controlling the waste humans generate daily. The jewel-like blues create a calm and beautiful backdrop for Bobbys story, and, although it is a cartoon-type illustration, I was still ready to book a trip to Banana Island! Young readers will be drawn to the sumptuous colors and surprised by what goes on behind the scenes to keep our trash from building up and becoming a problem.

Croft does a great service by highlighting one of the unsung heroes of daily life. I recommend BOBBY BINS BUSY DAY for use at home with young readers and listeners, schools, and after-school programs. Well done!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: FALLING INTO MAGIC (DESTINY FALLS MYSTERY & MAGIC, #1) by Elizabeth Pantley

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:20:49 Z

Falling Into Magic

Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic, #1

Elizabeth Pantley

Fun and fanciful, with just the right amount of menace lurking around the edges of this cozy mystery debut.

Falling Into Magic is the debut novel in author Elizabeth Pantleys paranormal cozy mystery series, Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic. The story is fun and fanciful, with just the right amount of menace lurking around the edges of the mysterious tale.

Hayden is the plucky heroine with an amazingly accepting and positive outlook on life and all the magical happenings. It was unique that she and her friend, Luna Caputo, worked together on an online natural living magazine. In a twist from the typical reporter, this highly portable occupation offers the freedom to travel and provides a broad cover story when needed to solve mysteries or disappear into Destiny Falls. And although Hayden had a loving and joy-filled childhood, things really started out rough for her. The Minis were so alive and vibrant. Her older brother, Axel, grew up in a different environment with his extended family.

This authors writing never fails to capture and hold my attention from start to finish. In fact, the prologue for this book, while short, was one of the most compelling Ive read in a while. And with that kick-off, the tension steadily builds. That opening is awesome!

I liked that there were several cats in the story. I liked how Sassy/Princess Latifas personality blossomed once she could communicate. She sounded just like what I thought a cat would if it could speak its mind. I enjoyed the comments sprinkled throughout, which offer fun observations and a humorous nod to pop culture.

Published in late 2020, I am so happy to note that there are already five more books in the series! I certainly look forward to falling into those soon. I recommend FALLING INTO MAGIC to cozy mystery readers who enjoy a touch of the paranormal or magic in their stories and fans of the authors other series.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.