Books for Kidz

This month I'm reviewing two books from Zonderkidz.

Kiki Finds Her Voice by Kierra Sheard-Kelly, illustrated by Paul Kellam

Kierra Sheard-Kelly has written a wonderful book with a valuable story about staying true to God. Based on a true story, she shares a tale many girls will relate to and learn from. 

The illustrations are colorful and add to the beauty of the story. The lesson of "being different is beautiful" because God made you to be yourself and not follow the crowd resonated with me, even as an adult. I recommend the book. It's perfect for ages 8-12.

Strong by Sally Lloyd Jones, illustrated by Jago

Jago’s illustrations drew me to this book. They are simply beautiful. Children will love the colorful pictures.

The book is based on Psalm 1:1-3.
Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

Lloyd-Jones presents the scripture in a way little ones will relate to being close to God. The example of a tree gives them a concrete picture of God’s strength. Strong is a board book.

Both books are available on Amazon or from Zonderkidz.

A Heart for Books

Doesn't this graphic make you want to sit with a cup of coffee 

or tea and read one of the books?

I don't remember a time when I didn't love books. 

When I look back through my life, 

I find my decades flavored by the books I read.

Children's book, young adult, textbooks, 

how to care for children, 

more children's books, novels, more textbooks, 

the Bible, and now writing and research. 

I even made a few books from scratch.

Do you love books? What do you love to read?

 

And God Inspired Books

In this world of constant attention grabbing and alarm creating social media and news, I am thankful for the solid consistency of books.

When I write books, the words go through a process. The stories are not just thrown together and posted without forethought. Instead, they are vetted by me, my critique partner, my beta reader, and finally my editor.

I thank God for books, especially the book He inspired most. I find myself excited to read the stories in the Bible. David’s Psalms inspire me and give me hope and confidence in God. Luke’s accounts in the book of Acts teach me perseverance and inspiration. The gospels teach the truth of Jesus.

God created words for us to communicate truth, to tell stories, and to learn and share.

Do you have a favorite book? A favorite book of the Bible?

My 2023 Favorite Reads

I’m a reader. In 2023, I read so many books it’s hard to pick favorites, but I’m going to try.

The number one story that I enjoyed the most is a children’s literature book called Odder by Katherine Applegate. The story focuses on the life of Odder the otter and the path he takes. “Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals.”

I found the story delightful and inspiring. To read my review, go to: Odder

The adult fiction I enjoyed are part of a series and inspired by the beloved classic,Little Women, a childhood favorite of mine. The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series by Heidi Chiavaroli focuses on a different family member in each book. They are light romance and quite enjoyable. "Contemporary Romance with a Little Women twist."

I look forward to reading a lot of books in 2024. I started my first one, Hidden Names by Bettie Boswell. I’ll let you know more about that later. 

What was your favorite book in 2023? Do you have a reading goal for 2024?

The Christmas Tree

I discovered this little book many years ago 

and recently found it again.

The delightful and charming story 

fills my heart with joy every time I read it. 

"The Christmas Tree is the tale of a little girl named Anna, who is orphaned and sent to live in a convent. The lonely girl befriends, as only a child can, a tiny fir tree. Anna and Tree, as she calls him, grow up together, unlocking the secrets of friendship and sharing the wonders of nature. It is this same profound appreciation and love of nature that the grown-up Anna, now Sister Anthony, passes on to her students.

When Tree is threatened by a winter storm, Sister Anthony, by now an old woman, decides to give up her dearest friend, allowing him to become the most enjoyed and famous tree of all: the tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City.

A perennial holiday favorite, The Christmas Tree is about learning to love and, ultimately, being able to share that love with others."

 

Some St. Nick Reads

I enjoy reading stories about St. Nicholas or Santa Claus, as we call him. 

The true history of St. Nicholas offers 

a beautiful story about giving and caring about others needs.

Some adult reads I've enjoyed are The Autobiography of Santa Claus 

and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas by Jeff Guinn. 

For children, I've listed a few favorites. 

Young Claus is a chapter book and the others are picture books. 

Cuddle up with your child and share in the magic of the holiday.

Do you have a favorite Christmas book?

 

Great Books to Read With Your Kids this Christmas

I had the privilege of listening to my daughter read 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas to her first grade class. 

I call it a privilege because, for one, she's my daughter, but besides that 

she uses all the voices of the characters. It's truly a joy. 

I read this story to my kids when they were young and 

to hear one of them read it aloud is magical.

The Grinch's story is one of change. 

He's a mean one, as they say. 

The Whos from Whoville are filled with joy, to the point 

they continue to celebrate Christmas even without 

any presents, decorations or food. 

Their unselfish joy changes the Grinch's heart.

Isn't Christmas more than gifts, feasts, and decor? 

Of course it is. 

It's joy in the depths of the heart. Rejoicing that King Jesus was born. 

If you want your children to appreciate the simple 

yet powerful theme of joy, read the Grinch and 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 

The Best Christmas Pageant is 

a heartwarming chapter book you'll laugh out loud over.

 

One of the Best Gifts

Reading to children is rewarding to them, and to the reader. 

What a delight to see a child's eyes light up when they hear a story they love. 

How exciting to hear a child recognize words.

As a mom, grammy and children's librarian, 

I read to kids for many years and loved every minute.

As Christmas draws near, take the time to read to a child.

From now through Christmas, 

I'll share some of the holiday books I've enjoyed reading over the years.

 

Thankful for Books

As I think about Thanksgiving and the many things I have to be grateful for, 

books are high on the list.

I'm a reader and a writer. I devour books, usually two or three a month.

There is something about stories.

The way they take a reader away from the everyday or enhance the everyday.

The words fill me with wisdom, knowledge, and experience.

Stories, whether fiction or true, make me think and ponder and gather words.

Everyone is a reader, some just haven't found the right book yet.

 

A Wonderful Place to Be

I can't remember a time when I wasn't enamored with books.

Stories offer somewhere to go when you stay home.

They share adventure, mystery, love, and so much more.

When I open the pages of a book, imagination ignites and 

I travel on journeys I'd never take, otherwise.

Whether reading a book or writing one, I'm thankful for stories.

What kind of books do you enjoy?

 

Home for Christmas, An Abbott Island Story, is part of the collection of four stories in Christmas in Ohio

 After Levi Swenson and Charlotte Mercer share months of promising texts and phone calls, Charlotte returns to Abbott Island for Christmas with her family. Will her dysfunctional family scare Levi away or will he and Charlotte meet under the mistletoe?

Sadie and Joel Grayson are ready to deliver their baby. Will the baby's birth bring good tidings and great joy or will the young couple be caught without the medical help they need?

The Christmas in Ohio collection is available for pre-order in paperback and Home for Christmas is available by itself as an e-book.

Come join us for a celebration of Christmas in the Buckeye State, with snow and mistletoe, a dash of suspense and danger, mystery and reunions, healing and hope.

From an island Christmas celebration to colonial-era homesteads, Christmas is a time of hope and celebration, as well as learning and healing. A time for trusting and sharing secrets, and taking a risk that leads to joy and a promise for the future.

The four stories on these pages go from a search for a missing painting to a reunion of lost loves, a shattered family rejoined, and promises kept. From a stolen treasure to secrets revealed, healed hearts and glass hearts, and second chances at love.

The gift of Christmas.

Book Signings

I'd love to see you at one of these events!

 

Come to the Fair!

 You don't want to miss this!

Artists, crafters, and the debut of Home Away from Home!

Come to the Artful Gathering's Artisan Fair.

Jessica Blankenship is the wonderful owner and artist hosting all of us.

There will be food too!

Contemporary Book Review: The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer

What's the Story:

A collection of lost books holds the clues to her family's legacy…and her future.

Hope Sparrow has mastered the art of outrunning her tragic past, learning never to stay anywhere too long and never to allow anyone control over her life again. Coming to Wanishin Falls in search of her family's history already feels too risky. But somewhere in the towering stacks of this dusty old bookshop are the books that hold Hope's last ties to her late mother—and to a rumored family treasure that could help her start over.

Only, the bookshop is in shambles, and the elderly owner is in the beginning stages of dementia and can’t remember where the books lie. To find the last links to the loved ones she's lost, Hope must stay and accept help from the townsfolk to locate the treasured volumes. Each secret she uncovers brings her closer to understanding where she came from. But the longer she stays in the quaint town, the more people find their way into the cracks in her heart. And letting them in may be the greatest risk of all…

My Thoughts:

Hope’s story took my breath away. Set in a small town, we often think of the charm, the shops, the quirky characters, but something seldom revealed is the underside this author captured; the one where grudges are held and gossip is shared. Ronan’s family has caught the brunt of the rumors for years and paid the price. When Hope comes to town to search for the treasured books her mother left her, with plans to leave as quickly as she came, she discovers something she’s been missing for years, the possibility, if somewhat shaky, to put down roots. With Ronan’s lack of self-confidence and Hope’s fragile emotions, the two search with the help of friends for a treasure which may not exist and discover... well, you’ll need to read the book. The characters Rushmeyer created will stick with me for a long time. If you love stories with literary references, faith and hope, incredibly deep characters, and the prospect of love, you’ll want to read The Bookshop of Secrets. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Romantic Suspense Review: Deception by Patricia Bradley

The Story:
After being forced to kill an FBI agent gone rogue in self-defense while working in the violent crimes unit for the Investigative Services Branch, ranger Madison Thorn is comfortable with her move to the fraud and cyber division. At least numbers don't lie. So she's less than thrilled when a white-collar crime investigation in Natchez, Mississippi, turns violent. She could also do without being forced to work with former-childhood-enemy-turned-infuriatingly-handsome park ranger Clayton Bradshaw.

When a woman who looks just like Madison is attacked on the same night Madison's grandfather is shot, it becomes clear that there is something much bigger going on here and that Madison herself is in danger. Madison and Clayton will have to work together--and suppress their growing feelings for one another--if they are to discover the truth before it's too late.

My Thoughts:
If you enjoy romantic suspense, I recommend this series set in Natchez Mississippi. Deception is book three in the Natchez Trace Rangers series and can be read as a stand-alone, but the series is so good! I especially enjoyed this one. Madison is a tough lady who focuses on her work, but has a soft spot when it comes to her grandfather. Clayton is an officer with flaws and a big heart. As the two of them work to solve a crime against her grandfather, secrets unfold in unexpected ways as more crimes come to light. Bradley is a top-notch suspense writer. If you enjoy Colleen Coble, you’ll love Patricia Bradley’s books. I received a free copy of this book with no expectations. My opinions are my own.

Enter to win Summer Beach Reads!

Have you entered yet?

Home Where She Belongs, is part of the Basketful of Books Giveaway. This giveaway runs 7/11 through 7/17, and the prize consists of ten Christian books. The 1st place winner will receive all ten books (authors' choice of format) and the 2nd place winner will receive three books (authors' choice of format) of their choosing. A variety of genres, from fantasy to historical romance to suspense and more, are featured.

You can enter to win here:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bfce54d35/?

The Next Chapter

As a writer, I consider what goes into each chapter of a book.

As I edit and make the words work, 

the characters develop and lead the way through their story.

As a Christian, God knows what my next chapter is,

but because He allows me to have free will, 

He knows I'll make mistakes, even when I try my best.

In my desire to seek God's will, I trust Him

because He knows my future, and 

He gives me courage, grace, strength, and wisdom

each time I turn the page.

 

Enter to Win!!!

I am excited to announce my book, Home Where She Belongs, is part of the Basketful of Books Giveaway. This giveaway runs 5/16 through 5/21, and the prize consists of twelve Christian books. The 1st place winner will receive all twelve books (authors' choice of format) and the 2nd place winner will receive three books (authors' choice of format) of their choosing. A variety of genres, from fantasy to historical romance to suspense and more, are featured.

You can enter to win here:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bfce54d32/?

#basketfulofbooks #christianbookgiveaway #readingcommunity #freebooks

 

Fiction Review: Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris (Restoring Heritage Book 3)

Book Description:
Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah's past difficult, he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.

Jon is trying to prove to the Heritage Fruits board that he, not his manipulative uncle, should be running the business. The board insists Jon find a new owner for the building that will house Leah's business. To avoid forcing a buyout of Leah's part of the building, Jon strikes a compromise with Leah, and the two go into business together. With her vision and his know-how, it might work. And Leah might realize he's loved her since high school. If only he didn't keep on shooting himself in the foot by boxing her out of important decisions.

Sparks fly in this romantic story of two people who must learn to trust both each other and the one who called them to this journey.

My Thoughts:
I've read all three Restoring Heritage novels. I wanted to like Since You've Been Gone as much as I enjoyed books one and two. But I didn't. I didn't connect with Leah or Jonathan. Their back-and-forth, up-and-down relationship drove me crazy. However, I did enjoy Madison's story. She had a lot to overcome. The kindness and encouragement of Colby to Madison was endearing. I did enjoy going back to Heritage, but didn't find Leah's addition of the store she'd closed and reopened compelling. If you've read book one and two, you may want to read book three to learn a bit more about Otis the moving brass hippo. Now that was fun! I will give the book three stars, because even in a story I didn't connect with, Faris writes well. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children’s Book Review: Meet Fiona the Hippo by Richard Cowdrey with Donald Wu

Book Description:
Meet Fiona, the adorable hippo who became a worldwide internet sensation. Learn how Fiona came to live at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and what this fun, fearless hippo hero loves to do!

Created by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey, beginning readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona in this Level One I Can Read book. Fiona the hippo was born six weeks before her due date. The whole world watched as this tiny baby hippo learned to eat, walk, and swim. Her courage and spunk helped her become a happy, healthy hippopotamus.

Meet Fiona the Hippo is:

An easy-to-read inspirational story of courage and perseverance

A Level One I Can Read story geared for children learning to sound out words and sentences

Great for kids that love learning about animals

Also available:
Fiona and the Rainy Day

Fiona Saves the Day

Fantastic Fiona

My Thoughts:
Fiona is a real Hippo who lives at the Cincinnati Zoo. I’ve seen her, and she’s been a delight to everyone. Meet Fiona the Hippo, Fiona and the Rainy Day, Fiona Saves the Day, and Fantastic Fiona are delightful books for early readers. I love Cowdrey’s illustrations and enjoy these fun stories about this beloved hippo. They are easy to read and engaging for beginning readers. The colorful, playful illustrations of the many animals in the zoo bring them to life and add an element of fun. Each book shares an encouragement for little ones. These are great to keep kids reading this summer.  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.