Return to Cardamom Book Review & Kid Lit Blog Hop

7/25/2013

Return to Cardamom
~Written by Julie Anne Grasso
~Illustrated by David Blackwell

Book Synopsis

Life is sweet for Caramel and things are finally getting back to normal. Well, as normal as it can be for a telepathic elf who can train trees and control computers, but she soon finds life on Cardamom is not all cupcakes and apple cider.

A saboteur is hiding in the rainforest canopy, and the elves’ precious cardamom export has been wiped out. Caramel is certain it’s another trick of Alexander222 and her Aunt Isabel, but no one will believe her, and the clock is ticking. She must expose the saboteur in time to save the crop or the Elves of Cardamom will lose their livelihood.

Caramel won’t rest until her theory is proven. While she is on the hunt, she makes a shocking discovery, one that will change everything.

Follow Caramel’s gripping adventures in the exciting sequel to “Escape From The Forbidden Planet.” Suitable for children ages 9-12

My Review

Return to Cardamom is an exciting story that takes readers on an intergalactic quest to find the evildoers behind the destruction of the precious cardamom crop. The story is fast-paced and action packed right from the start. I found it difficult to put the book down and was eager to find out what would happen next.

The story is brilliantly written and teaches children to be courageous in difficult situations. Readers also learn that being kind and caring towards nature's gifts benefits us all.

The main character, Caramel is an energetic and inquisitive young elf and the author takes great care in developing her. I found myself rooting for Caramel's success throughout the story.

I did not read the first book in the series, Escape From The Forbidden Planet, prior to reading Return to Cardamom, but the story's easy flow and character detail made it easy to follow and I was able to grasp the necessary background information to make it an enjoyable read.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Return to Cardamom. Available at Amazon.com.

About the Author

Julie Anne Grasso is an Australian author with a background in paediatric nursing. She spent many years literally wrapping children in cotton wool. Every day she witnessed great courage and resilience from the tiny people she cared for, which inspired her to write stories about a little girl elf just like them. Add in some very funky technology, her love of science fiction and desire to impart great values through her little girl elf named Caramel and there you have it, the Adventures of Caramel Cardamom Trilogy was the result.

Julie lives in Melbourne with her husband Danny and their little elf Giselle. Most days she can be found sipping chai lattes, chasing a toddler, and dreaming up wonderful worlds that often involve consumption of cupcakes.

For more information about Julie Anne Grasso and the Caramel Cardamom Trilogy, visit Julie’s Author Blog and Book Website.

Return to Cardamom Blog Tour Schedule (2013)

Return to Cardmom Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a copy (print in U.S./Canada & e-copy internationally) + a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash Contest runs: July 17th to August 7th, 11:59 pm, 2013 Open: WW How to enter: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

3 Comments

Renee C. link

7/26/2013 02:51:45 am

Thanks for your glowing review of Return to Cardamom. Thank you also for commenting about whether you need to read the first book. We had read the first one, so it's really difficult to make that judgment call.

Stacie Theis

7/26/2013 03:05:35 am

I got the first book with the intention of reading it first, but have been so busy that time wouldn't allow it. I was relieved I was able to follow along without feeling lost. Thanks for having me on the Blog Tour.

Julie Grasso link

7/26/2013 06:05:07 am

Hi Stacie
Thank you so much for taking the time for me and for joining my blog tour. It is much appreciated. Best wishes, Julie