Friday, December 8, 2023

My Thoughts on Forever Lovely by Linore Rose Burkard

About:

1819, England

Miss Margaret Andrews' sister disappeared into the future three years ago and Margaret hasn't seen her since. Julian St. John brings her to visit, but only for a day, since his wife Claire is about to give birth to their first child. He doesn't know Margaret's real desire is to find a modern invention to bring back with her. A bluestocking by nature and lacking her sister's famous beauty, Margaret knows she must make her way in society by becoming an inventress. But when the tallit, the magical time-travel shawl goes awry, she finds herself alone and stranded in 21st century New York City!

Present Day, Manhattan

Stewart Russell is a grad student studying early British female writers when he meets Margaret at a Jane Austen Society Conference in New York. Margaret is mistaken for an attendee but fits right in. Stewart is thrilled by her knowledge of the writers he's studying, almost as much as her effortless acting with the speech and manners of Jane's day. Until she claims to be from Jane's day! Worse, he is a wanted man due to a mix-up, and time is running out.

Margaret longs to keep him safe from the blackguards pursuing him, but first she must convince him she really is from the past. But when she can't even get herself back to 1819, how can she hope to bring Stewart too? It's a race against time and she must find a way before the unthinkable happens!

My Thoughts:

It has been way too long since I have read a Linore Burkard book, and I have always enjoyed her regencies. Add in a time travel twist, which is also a favorite for me, and you had me hooked.

This is the second in a series. I have not read the first yet, but I was not at all lost. Within the pages of this story, we are brought up to speed about the intriguing time-traveling prayer shawl. I am always amazed at the authors' imaginations and how their characters can time travel. So, whether it is a box, water, or shawl, the characters must learn and fend for themselves in whatever time they find themselves caught up in.

Margaret is the second sister. The one who has been told is not as pretty, and she is not even her father's favorite. But her older sister has already chosen her life in the future, and Margaret has accepted that. It has been three years since they have seen each other, and Margaret convinces Sir John to let her go to the future for a visit. All the while, Margaret is wanting to find and bring back an invention to help her succeed on her own in her own time. When Margaret steps foot into the future, she is not at all prepared for all that her senses take in. Even though she has heard the stories, she is now living it, at least for a little while.

But then things do not go as planned. Right from the start, they did not end up where they thought they would. Things only go from bad to shocking when Margaret is left alone in the city. But it is as if she was meant to be there at that time so that she could meet Stewart Russell, who is actually in a bit of a life-threatening situation himself.

This was a fun read to see how Margaret, who certainly did not fit in modern times, would cope, as her speech and view of the world were so much more learned and innocent. Stewart gets frustrated with her, even thinking she is a bit addled. He is not prepared to handle the truth. I enjoyed the adventure, mystery, and race against time to make things right for these two.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

My Thoughts on The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

About:

A richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls, along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina knows she cannot stand by and soon becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Meanwhile, Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation.

But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear them apart--and the cost of resistance may prove greater than either ever imagined.

My Thoughts:

This was a hard and somber story to read. It tells the tale of twin sisters who have lived in Warsaw their entire lives with their Papa. Their mother died when they were young, and their father protected them as much as possible from the world. Till one day the world came to them in the form of a war. First it took their father as a soldier, even though he had already served in a previous war. Then it took their home and their beautiful city. However, it did not stop there. The war continued to take and abuse and hurt these women, everyone they loved, and was breaking their people.

Unfortunately, their fight was more than just for survival, but to keep their humanity intact as well. For years these two sisters lived in a world that was so foreign and changed then what they once used to live. As their country was overtaken by the enemy and even some of their countrymen turned against those whom they blamed everything else on.

This was a deep and heavy story that shows how ugly the world can get. Again, this was a hard story to read. The author did a really great job of pulling the reader into the sisters' grim reality, and the atmosphere of Warsaw was quite haunting.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas, including The White Rose Resists (a 2021 Christy Award winner) and Within These Walls of Sorrow. She is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. Amanda lives in Michigan. Learn more at AmandaBarratt.net.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

My Thoughts and More on Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times by Pam Gittleman

Book Details:

Book Title:  Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times®, Vol. 1 by Pam Gittleman
Category: Children's Fiction (ages 2 to 5), 46 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Kids, an imprint of Amplify Publishing Group
Release date:   Oct 3, 2023
Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

What happens when Three KIND Mice put their heads (and bodies!) together to get some cheese on top of the counter? Will Humpty Dumpty be left in pieces when his friends notice that he's fallen off the wall? And who will get bags of wool--and toys and books--from Baa Baa BRIGHT Sheep? Read all about the beloved characters from traditional nursery rhymes in this endearing collection of eight updated rhymes that nurture kindness, empathy and gratitude!

Buy the Book:
Kinderbooks
Mascot Books
Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM
Target ~ Bookshop.org
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Pam has been an early childhood music educator for over twenty-five years with a passion for singing, rhyming, reading stories, and making music with preschoolers.

When Pam noticed that some children seemed unfamiliar with traditional nursery rhymes, and that parents and teachers were avoiding them because of their outdated, dark, and inappropriate nature, she set out to modernize them. Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times® provides a memorable way to build language, musicality, and literacy through songs, stories and rhymes that nurture kindness, empathy, and gratitude. The inclusion of resources that support social and emotional learning (SEL) make it easy for parents and teachers to engage with the children they love.

The rhymes in the book can also be enjoyed as songs on the Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times album recorded by Raffi and Lindsay Munroe, as well as in videos on the Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times® Show on YouTube. (www.linktr.ee.com/forkindertimes)

Aside from making music with young children, Pam loves dogs and dark chocolate. She lives in New York with her husband, and loves when her children, grandchildren, and granddogs come to visit!

Pam collaborated with Dan and Catherine Markowitz for art and design of the book.

connect with author: website ~ X/twitter ~ facebook ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ instagram ~ goodreads

My Thoughts:

This was a very cute and clever retelling of favorite nursery rhymes, with a twist on helping children learn about their feelings and how to properly express them. I found them delightful and fun when they are compared to the originals.

Taking eight beloved rhymes, the author makes them her own and teaches children how to properly express their feelings. Whether they are sad, mad, happy, silly, etc., there are six faces at the end of each rhyme to help a child choose the emotion talked about. Empathy is one of the big lessons in this rhyming book.

As I have come to expect from Mascot Kids books, the artwork is bright and beautiful and eye catching for any child. These would be fun for any parent or grandparent to read to the children in their lives. I found myself still singing the tunes as I read.

I was provided a copy of this storybook from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Enter the Giveaway:

Thursday, November 30, 2023

My Thoughts and More on Santa's Magical Reindeer Becoming Pen Pals by Michele Monaco Illustrated by Prabir Sarkar

Book Details:

Book Title:  Santa's Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals by Michele Monaco
Category: Children's Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 38 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  Mascot Kids
Release date:   Nov 7, 2023
Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

Right after Thanksgiving is the busiest time of year for Santa and his crew of eight famous reindeer! Every year, the Famous Eight sleigh team from the North Pole eagerly helps Santa by going on a quest to find kids who believe in Christmas magic. In Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals, Prancer, Vixen, and Dasher go on an adventure in search of eager pen pals. On their journey, they find three rambunctious girls who eagerly exchange letters with them and become lifelong friends.

Buy the Book:
Mascot Books
Amazon ~ B&N
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Michele Monaco has a great love for the Christmas season. She embraces the Christmas spirit all year round by remembering to look at life through the eyes of a child. As a mother of three beautiful and exuberant daughters, she believes in the magic that the holiday brings. Michele lives in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and enjoys traveling, reading, running, and enjoying the outdoors.

connect with author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram

My Thoughts:

This was a very cute and unique story that focuses on the eight reindeer that pull Santa's sleigh. This is their story and how they like to be pen pals to the children who still believe in Santa. They check up on the kids throughout the year with magical snowflake dust so the children will not see them.

In this story Prancer, Vixen, and Dasher meet three sisters who become their very special pen pal friends. Especially when the sisters eagerly write the reindeer back. I like that we get to see the letters that were passed between them and at the end of the book there is a list of questions that kids can ask their own pen pals.

Filled with beautiful, colorful pictures, this is a storybook that will capture children's imaginations and make the season all the more special. I especially liked the contrast between the North Pole and Sugar Hill Circle where the sisters lived.

I was provided a copy of this story book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Enter the Giveaway:

My Thoughts and More on Hearts of Gold by Grace Hitchcock

About the Book

Book: Hearts of Gold

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: August 14, 2023

The Bridal Shop

Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time. When her best friend requests Alice to be her maid of honor, she reluctantly sets aside her feelings on marriage and dons a stylish bridesmaid’s gown, never intending to catch the eye of the handsome groomsman. Will he be able to convince Alice to open her heart again?

Miss Beaumont’s Companion

When Italian lady’s companion Aria St. Angelo is coerced into posing as her political employer’s absent daughter for the evening at the Louisiana Governor’s masquerade ball, she wasn’t planning on falling for Byron Roderick—the most eligible bachelor in the capitol. But, when he pays call at the Beaumont’s home, Aria is quickly shuffled into the shadows once more, forced to watch him fall in love with another woman.

The Becoming of Miss Blanche

Content to remain a Harvey Girl forever, fiery Tacy Blanche has worked in nearly every Harvey House down the Santa Fe line. But, when she accepts the position of second waitress at the new Montezuma resort, Tacy isn’t expecting her former fiancé’s brother to return to her life—

Pinkerton Jasper Caffery had long abandoned hope of ever finding Tacy again, but while on holiday in New Mexico, Jasper collides with the woman who had never noticed him before. He decides to take his chances and attempt to woo her. However, when Tacy’s past catches up with her, more than Jasper’s heart is at stake.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

What a fun set of novellas this was to read. I have been enjoying this author's other series about the Harvey girls and this does include one Harvey girl novella. All of these stories are about young women with less than circumstances trying to make their way in the world and the men who they have captured the attention of. The men were all heroes in their own right, looking out for their lovely ladies and those that are in need.

The Bridal Shop introduces us to a businesswoman, Alice, who is trying to break free from her father's scandalous past. And who does she happen to catch the eye of? But the groomsman himself at her best friend's wedding. She sees the social blocks; can he make her understand they mean nothing to him?

In Miss Beaumont's Companion Aria comes from a large immigrant Italian family. Being Millie's companion is a job she needs to help her family out. However, when she is tasked to pretending to be Millie at a masked ball to catch the eye of a certain lawyer, she cannot help but wish it was herself she could be. Can the charade that night continue with the lies and deceit that have followed? Or will Aria lose more than just her job?

And in The Becoming of Miss Blanche, Tacy is just happy with being a Harvey girl, forever if need be. But her past soon catches up to her along with a man who has been searching for her for a while. Can Tacy open her heart up again?

Again, I enjoyed each of these novellas and look forward to more stories from the author's pen.

I was provided with a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

More from Grace

Q: What do you love about writing historical fiction?

Grace: I absolutely love the research aspect. I love learning and discovering little known pieces of history. In that research, I love asking the great “what if” question and see where it takes me while still having to follow the guidelines set up for historical fiction.

I’m pretty certain every author started as an avid reader who dreamed of how they would change an ending or change who the heroine ended up with if they could write the book instead. (Anyone else think Theodore Laurence should have married Jo March?) It’s that ever-beautiful question of “what if” that has haunted some of my favorite stories and often drives my own stories to spark to life.

Q: Have you traveled to any places you’ve written about?

Grace: My books have been set in Chicago, many in New York, Newport, New Orleans, and Charleston, which I’ve been able to visit! My upcoming Regency Romance, To Catch a Coronet, is set in London, which I toured many years ago. After writing my Regency, I’ve added an overflowing number of places to visit in England, and even Scotland where my third book will be set.

Want to know which book is set where?

Hearts of Gold: Charleston, Baton Rouge, and New Mexico

The Finding of Miss Fairfield: Charleston and New Mexico

The Pursuit of Miss Parish: New Mexico

To Catch a Coronet: London

My Dear Miss Dupré: New York and Newport

Her Darling Mr. Day: New Orleans

His Delightful Lady Delia: New York

The Gray Chamber: New York

The White City: Chicago

Q: How do you incorporate faith into your storylines?

Grace: I always weave in a faith theme, or verse, into the story. My goal with this novella collection, Hearts of Gold, is to provide readers with clean entertainment while subtly pointing them to Christ. And as with all of my books, something that I am learning inevitably ends up in the story in some form or another. Even though it feels a bit vulnerable to put my personal lessons in a book, I think that it offers a level of genuineness that can bring life to the story and hope to the reader.

Q: What aspect of romance do you enjoy writing about?

Grace: Before I started writing for publication, I would be reading and get very aggravated if the heroine chose the wrong hero in my eyes and I would rewrite the ending in my head, or even set aside the book with only pages left so I didn’t mess up the ending I wanted. Writing a romance is so much fun because now I understand the “formula” if you will about the obstacles placed in the lover’s path and the beauty of when they finally are together.

Q: Please tell us about your most recent book.

Grace: To Catch a Coronet releases with Kregel Publications in May 2024! This Regency Romance has been so much fun to research and while it is a challenge to change eras from Gilded Age to Regency, I’ve loved finding new, unique ways to get my heroines into trouble that inevitably has them meeting their true hero!

About To Catch a Coronet:

London, 1813

Sometimes the only way to out stride scandal is to catch a crown big enough to silence it.

After breaking off two arranged engagements, country baker turned heiress Muriel Beau takes matters into her own hands and asks the visiting baron she loves to marry her in a very public proposal and is met with an emphatic rejection. With no other course but to flee Kent society, Muriel knows the only way out of this debacle is to out stride it by catching what every society matron dreams of obtaining—a coronet with a sumptuous title to match. And after a glittering reception in the courts of London, Muriel’s best laid plans might come true after all.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 18

DevotedToHope, November 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 20

Lakesidelivingsite, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23

Alena Mentink, November 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 24

Cover Lover Book Review, November 25

Hannahbandanarama, November 25

For Him and My Family, November 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 26

Back Porch Reads, November 27

Exploring the Written Word, November 27

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Holly’s Book Corner, November 29

Splashes of Joy, November 29

Pause for Tales, November 30

Connie’s History Classroom, December 1

Lights in a Dark World, December 1

Giveway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Copy of My Dear Miss Dupré, Her Darling Mr. Day, and His Delightful Lady Delia!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28ef0/hearts-of-gold-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

My Thoughts and More on The Dolphin Dentist by Cheryl DaVeiga Illustrated by Luis Peres

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Dolphin Dentist: No Sharks Allowed by Cheryl DaVeiga
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 44 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Waterhole Productions LLC
Release date:   November, 2023
Content Rating: G. This children's book is for everyone.

Book Description:

COMING SOON! A “Fin-tastic” adventure Like No Other!

Fearless Flossy, a mighty great white shark, has a secret—she’s terrified of going to the dentist. Dr. Dribble, the big-hearted dolphin dentist, has a jaw-dropping fear of his own, and a strict “No Sharks Allowed” policy. When Fearless Flossy makes an unannounced visit to Dr. Dribble’s office, it’s the start of an underwater adventure like no other! This ‘fin-tastic’ story is must-read for kids and parents alike. Young readers will be immersed in a tale of courage, compassion, and conquering fear, while giggling and cheering for these unlikely friends along the way.

Dive in with a big Biff Bam Booza smile.

Buy the Book
Biff Bam Booza
Amazon
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Cheryl DaVeiga is an award-winning children’s book author and singer/songwriter residing in New Jersey. After a career in business, Cheryl’s passion for music caught up with her, and she began writing and recording children’s songs as her alter ego, CADi Grace. She then moved on to adult songs, including an ASCAP award-winning veteran’s anthem, the featured song for the State of Alabama Bicentennial Celebration, the theme song to the philanthropic Where Angels Play Foundation, and a NJ Arts' pick for top NJ summer songs. She’s also written songs for artists on critically acclaimed albums.

You can find her books and animated sing-along song videos on her website for kids and kid-lovers-- BiffBamBooza.com.

Biff Bam Booza books have received numerous awards and acclaim, including Mom’s Choice Gold, Purple Dragonfly, Eric Hoffer, and Literary Titan book awards, a Readers’ Favorite 5-star rating, and a Kirkus Review Magazine feature.

Cheryl lives in Tucson, Arizona, and spends summers in her native New Jersey.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

My Thoughts:

Going to the dentist can be a scary experience for a child, even an adult who needs to get more than a cleaning done. This story tackles the scariness of going to the dentist with a little twist. What if the dentist is scared of you? Well, if you are a shark and the dentist is a dolphin that just might be the case.

This is a cute tale with lively pictures about a shark who desperately needs to see a dentist. She is scared and it takes her mom forcing her to go. However, when they get there all the other patients are scared away, and the dentist is terrified of her too. So, the dentist decides on a trick to get rid of her. But what happens when he realizes how much his shark patient really needs him?

This was a fun shark tale for children showing them the positives of going to the dentist, that there is nothing to really fear, with a thread of deeper meaning of helping others.

I was provided a copy of this storybook from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Enter the Giveaway:

Sunday, November 26, 2023

My Thoughts and More on Revenge: The Winslows of Texas by Tamara G. Cooper

About the Book

Book: Revenge: The Winslows of Texas

Author: Tamara. G. Cooper

Genre: Romantic Suspense (Christian)

Release Date: May 7, 2023

Aaron’s life shatters in the aftermath of his best friend’s sudden, bizarre death. He firmly believes her demise was no mere accident, as the authorities ruled, but a cold-blooded murder. Driven to the brink of despair by the relentless media shadowing his every move, accusing him of causing her death, he needs a place to hide. Salvation dawns in an unexpected inheritance — the dense, sprawling wilderness of his great aunt’s East Texas estate. There, he discovers another surprise: his first love recently moved back to the area. She intrigued him at fourteen; she completely captivates him at twenty-six.

The discovery of a woman’s body on his property is chillingly timed on the grim anniversary of his friend’s death, shaking Aaron to his core. He realizes the bloodthirsty killer has delivered a disturbingly personal message to him: You cannot hide from me. Suddenly, his secluded sanctuary is exposed, a beacon for the merciless media relentlessly searching for him. He fortifies his estate, transforming it into a fortress against what he understands now is an inevitable attack. The murderer’s tightening noose of fear threatens to ensnare him. Outsmarting this ruthless predator has become a deadly game of chess, where every move could be his last.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This story is one that is full of twists and turns with a mysterious threat always in the background. It focuses on a very rich man who has witnessed a devastating accident that killed his friend. He himself has not quite gotten his head wrapped around what happened and the whole situation haunts him. Not only that, but he is a famous Winslow which means paparazzi seek him out. He has many homes around the world, but the people know all about them. So, when he inherits his aunt's estate in Texas, he decides to become a recluse and live there for as long as he can.

Aaron does his best to do everything remotely and get what he wants through his hired people. However, he cannot avoid people forever and he realizes there are some he would actually like to get to know better. In fact, his first crush is one of the people who is working on the estate. Could he get to know her better? But as Aaron finds out, we are not meant to be alone, and he suddenly finds himself with people around. Not only that but the one who is after him, has not given up.

This was a good story that slowly unraveled its mysteries and secrets from the beginning throughout the entire novel. Hooking the reader with the eeriness of it all and getting inside of Aaron's head and not letting go till the last page.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Tamara G. Cooper is a Texas-based author who finds inspiration in the simple things in life: hiking, camping, fishing, and long walks with her family that end in a picnic. She lives in a small town in East Texas with her husband, her youngest of five sons, and four dogs. Tamara loves writing suspense/mystery stories with just a touch of romance.

More from Tamara

I’m an East Texan, through and through. You should hear me talk! There is no mistaking that I’m from Texas. So, one day, I was wondering: what would it be like if a New Yorker moved to East Texas? Better yet, let’s make him a billionaire New Yorker who wants nothing to do with “rednecks” but is forced to move to Texas. What would motivate him to move there, especially when he’s made it very clear that he wants nothing to do with Texas or Texans?

Running for his life would work. Suddenly, he needs a place to hide. The people after him know of his other homes and have them staked out. So, where could he go? His great-aunt Dottie dies and wills her 6,000-acre estate in East Texas to him. Perfect! It sets him up nicely where he doesn’t want to be. And to add icing to this Texas cake? His first love at fourteen recently moved back to the area where he’d met her on one of his family’s rare visits with Aunt Dottie.

But life doesn’t settle down for him. Of course, it doesn’t, right?

And that’s how this book came about. I love Aaron. Every day, I couldn’t wait to get back to him and his story. He has so much to give and doesn’t even know it. As one of the “walking wounded,” he’s going to discover what really matters in life, but it’s not going to be easy for him.

One thing that’s somewhat different about me as a writer is that I don’t outline my books. I sit at my computer and let the characters tell me their stories. Sounds a little weird, doesn’t it? But it works for me. They take me in all kinds of directions! When the first draft is finished, I consider it my “outline.” Now, the fun begins with editing!

I love writing. I love storytelling. “Revenge” is one of my favorite stories and, yes, I fell a little bit in love with Aaron. I hope you do, too.