Jorie and the Magic Stones by A. H. Richardson

Jorie is brought to her aunt's house from the convent she was being raised in.  She doesn't know much about her aunt but she's smart, willing to learn and wants to please her.  She's very happy to find that a boy her age is living next door with his grandfather.  Now she'll have a playmate!

Serano Press and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you).  It has been published so you can grab a copy now.

She's warned to stay away from the Tarn.  It's like a big pond but it doesn't have fish in it and nobody knows how deep it is.  It fascinates her, though.  It attracts Rufus, too.  What they don't know is how much it figures into the adventure they're going to have...

Jorie has a necklace from her mother.  It's unusual.  So is the book hidden under floorboards in her bedroom.  It's written in an old language she can hardly speak but when she utters the words she's sounded out, magic happens!  Her bedroom window has been painted shut and she can't open it.  When she says the words out loud, it opens for her.  When she says it again and wants the window shut, it happens.  Poor Rufus thinks she's off her rocker.  That can't be true.  So she shows him!

With shape-changers, dragons and odd beings, the story is busy and entertaining.  When Jorie explores and finds herself in another world by using the Tarn, she's both scared and exhilarated.  She visits a bit, finds out about a quest she needs to complete, and then goes back to get Rufus.

It's a death defying quest and it's only because she's the child with the hair of fire (red) that she can accomplish it.  She needs to find all three stones and keep them away from the bad dragon who wants to control the world.  It's no easy task.  Rupert gets bit by a poisonous butterfly while protecting her.

This is fast tale about a magical world that sounds like a lot of fun.  I wouldn't like to meet that oversized poisonous butterfly, but the baby dragon sounds like fun.  This is great for middle school children or for anyone who loves a good fantasy read.  (That's me.)