Reviewed by:
Michael Thal
Genre:
Middle Grade
Approximate
word count:
70-75,000
words
Availability
Click
on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes &
Noble, or Smashwords store
Author:
AD Hartley is a
British author currently living in Kuala Lumpur. He began his career
in animation and used that training in IT Finance. He has held a
potpourri of jobs including a baker, website sports columnist,
overseas expedition leader, and operation manager for an
international youth development organization. The
Secrets of Ice Cream Success, his
first novel, is based on an animation script he wrote many moons ago.
Description:
Carlo Leodoni is
twelve when he survives an accident that takes the life of Luigi
Leodoni, his father. Now orphaned (his mom died during child birth),
Carlo becomes the ward of his dad’s business partner, Randolph Fox.
Two years later, when Uncle Randy is about to sell the Leodoni Ice
Cream Factory to Luigi’s competitor, the odious Haverton Hill,
Carlo becomes livid. Though he initially had no desire to inherit the
family business, he now decides to keep his father’s legacy and
re-open the factory, just so Hill can’t get his nasty hands on it.
With the help of
his gang—Norton, Ben, Abi, and Newton—they assist Uncle Randy
with the gargantuan job of jumpstarting a factory with deep roots in
the community. Uncovering a mysterious book in his father’s study,
Carlo believes its secrets could aid him in his efforts.
Appraisal:
AD Hartley does an
amazing job of creating realistic characters overcoming adversity
during their summer holiday. The author has also developed a dynamic
plot, which includes intrigue, suspense, villains, and perhaps a
terrorist plot. All of this is done with humor and the help of a very
lively ghost.
The Secrets of
Ice Cream Success will attract middle
grade and YA readers alike. The story’s pace is upbeat with enough
twists and turns to hold the interest of its young audience.
The novel is a
light-hearted coming of age tale placing ordinary kids in an
extraordinary situation as they use teamwork to reach their goals.
Format/Typo
Issues:
No
significant issues.
Rating: ***** Five Stars
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