Maple & Willo Apart

Maple & Willow Apart

Lori Nichols

 Maple and Willow love playing together. But they must make the most of their play time together, because Maple starts school on Monday. Willow misses her sister while she is gone. So she makes a new friend named Pip. Maple returns from school excited and full of stories. So Willow tells her sister all about Pip and the fun that they have had all day. Maple soon becomes jealous of Willow's new friend. Thankfully Pip has a large family and Willow is willing to share.

The story is told with the younger sister's point of view in mind. The illustrations bring the words alive and help show the reader what is happening. Children will be able to relate to the two sisters and the feelings they are experiencing. The book would be a perfect fit for young children who are experiencing school for the first time or their siblings who are experiencing the loneliness of being left behind. It would also make an excellent addition to a school library. The bright, colorful illustrations and whimsical plot lines will make this book a favorite with young readers and parents alike.

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.

Drawing Fire

Drawing Fire

Cold Case Justice Book 1

Janice Cantore

Abby Hart has been searching for clues to her parent's murder for 27 years. But first on her plate is a serial killer that has been murdering elderly women. Her only possible witness is a private investigator named Luke. Abby isn't fond of Luke and his showboat antics, but she needs his help with the serial killer. Imagine their surprise when they both realize they are also working the same cold case. Luke's uncle was killed in the same fire that was set to kill Abby's parents.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were flawed, but likable. The plot flowed well and kept me interested the entire time. The plot revolves around the main character and her emotions and thoughts as she deals with finding who killed her parents. The book ends with some ends not completely tied up. So I was very glad to see that there is another book coming out soon. Not only did this book keep me engrossed the entire time, but it also really had me thinking long after I finished. I would definitely recommend this author and will be adding her to my list of favorites.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Princess Charity

Princess Charity

Sticker & Activity Book

Stickers, coloring, and princesses are all things that most little girls enjoy. Combine the three and you have a colorful and fun activity book that will delight young girls for hours. The book starts out like a story and each activity is centered around one of the princesses, Charity, who lives in a castle. The activities are geared for ages 4-8. 

The book would be a great compliment to a church bag to keep girls entertained during the sermon. I have some positives and negatives. The positives - It's bright and colorful, the are plenty of stickers, the activities are age appropriate. The negatives - There isn't much to the book (although the suggested price does reflect this), there isn't a story line, the book doesn't describe the positive attributes of the name to the young reader. Overall, I liked it and would purchase it for my daughter.

I received this book free of charge from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Love on a Deadline

Love on a Deadline

An August Wedding Story

Kathryn Springer

MacKenzie grew up in the small town of Red Leaf, but was eager to leave. She was pursing her career in journalism when her father suffered a mild heart attach. Mac returns home to help out her father, but plans to return to the city when he is better. In the mean time, she's suffering at the local paper writing stories about garden clubs and town meetings. Her boss sends her to cover the wedding of a local celebrity who is about to get married. Mac isn't thrilled, but then she meets the bride's brother - again.

I've read a couple of books by this author before and enjoyed them. This was no exception. She has a refreshing, sweet way of writing that draws the reader in and puts them into the story. The scenery was beautiful and the secondary characters helped make the story entertaining. I'd read another novella with some of these characters and so it was a nice surprise to meet them again. The romance was clean and focused on the importance of family. I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received this book free of charge from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Sunshine Brightens Springtime

Sunshine Brightens Springtime

Charles Ghigna

 

Sunshine makes spring better for everyone. Join a little kitten and puppy as they explore their world and enjoy the springtime sunshine. They encounter all sorts of animals and spring weather as they romp and play in the sun. Puppy and kitten will learn all about spring run through the countryside.

Bright, colorful illustrations fill each page. Large font, rhyming lyrical words, and simple vocabulary make this a fun to read book for young children. The story is told with the illustrations and tells the reader all of the things that the sun does to make spring special. At the end of the book, the reader will find interesting and fun facts about sunshine. The publisher has included additional resources online. The website has projects, games, and more that children can access to learn more about the subject. Parents will enjoy the rhythmic reading style and the education the children are learning while having fun. This book would make a great addition to any classroom and could be used for science or story time reading.

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.

A Flying Affair

A Flying Affair

Carla Stewart

Mittie is in love with two things - horses and flying. But flying is her passion. She's currently helping her father at the farm while he recovers from some health problems. But what she's really like to do is buy her own airplane and fly. So when two men enter her life that have a love of flying, Mittie is in heaven. But she must trust her faith and her instincts to make the right decision when it comes to choosing the man who will have her heart.

The story is rich with the history of flying and brings the era to life. Since the main character lives on a horse farm there is also parts about horse races and the life style that includes. The author did a great job of creating the main character and having her be likable and relatable. Since my husband is a pilot, I enjoyed reading more about flying in its infancy. The story is more about the main character and her path into flying than romance. But she does have two love interests and the romance is woven into the plot. Her romantic story was a little bit confusing for me. I was unable to feel the connection she had with either man and couldn't see how she chose the one for her so quickly in the end. But overall, it was an enjoyable read that I know fans of flying and history will enjoy.

I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my review.

What a Bragger!

What a Bragger!

Lee Ann Mancini

Melissa likes to brag. She's always comparing everything she has to everyone else and announcing that what she has is better. Her friend, Corey, is angry and frustrated with Melissa. But his mom reminds him to pray for Melissa and treat her with kindness. Corey learns that Melissa is bragging to cover up her poverty. So when the teacher plans a birthday party he enlists his friends to help him make Melissa feel loved and special. As an added bonus to the story, there is a little fish symbol that children can look for on each page.

The bright, colorful illustrations fill each page. The vocabulary fits well with the intended age group. The story is sweet and entertained my children. The messages were faith based and my children were discussing them long after the book was finished. I also enjoyed the book, but especially appreciated the message of Christ-like love that was mixed in with the story. The story is rich with teachable moments. Parents and teachers will be able to use this book to teach messages about people who are different from us, having compassion, treating others with kindness regardless of their actions, thankfulness, and so much more.

I received this book free of charge from BookCrash in exchange for my honest review.

Good-bye Magnolia

Good-bye Magnolia

Krista Noorman

Maggie loves photography. Her entire life is wrapped up in her wedding photography business that she started with an ex-fiance years ago. When an old college rival starts a competing business down the street, Maggie is afraid of losing everything. If she can get over past hurts, she must might find the love of her life.

The story begins when the two main characters are in college. The main portion of the story reads like part YA novel and part chick lit with lots of girl talk among Maggie's friends and angsty feelings for her rival. I enjoyed the photography theme since it's a hobby of mine. There was a few things with the secondary characters that felt left open, perhaps from a previous book or for an opening in another book. The relationships were realistic and fit with the plot lines.  The story has a faith element that is woven into the story, but doesn't come across as preachy. The story was wrapped up at the end with a romantic ending that will appeal to romance readers, especially those who enjoy Christian romance. 

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

Summer Brides

Summer Brides

A Year of Weddings Series

Beth Wiseman, Debra Clopton, Marybeth Whalen

Each bride in this story was jilted by her fiance. Now she has a second chance at love. But will she choose the man who left her at the alter or is there another man who can make her fall in love again. God often asks us to wait. Waiting on love is hard, but each of these brides finds out that God's plan is perfect in the end.

Each story was sweet and gave a little glimpse into the author's writing style. The inspirational message of faith, trust, and patience were woven into each story without coming across as too preachy. I enjoyed the visuals that each author brought into the plot to make it come alive. The characters were real and relatable. The book was a perfect summer read for when I wanted a great story, but didn't have a lot of time.

Raindrops Fall All Around

Raindrops Fall All Around

Charles Ghigna

Raindrops fall from the sky and land on everything. Join a little kitten and puppy as they explore their world and enjoy the adventure of raindrops. They encounter all sorts of animals and places as they romp and play in the rain. Puppy and kitten will learn all about rain as they run through the city and countryside.

Bright, colorful illustrations fill each page. Large font, rhyming lyrical words, and simple vocabulary make this a fun to read book for young children. The story is told with the illustrations and tells the reader all of the things that the rain does to make the world special. At the end of the book, the reader will find interesting and fun facts about rain. The publisher has included additional resources online. The website has projects, games, and more that children can access to learn more about the subject. Parents will enjoy the rhythmic reading style and the education the children are learning while having fun. This book would make a great addition to any classroom and could be used for science or story time reading.

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.

A Windy Day in Spring

A Windy Day in Spring

Charles Ghigna

Warm wind makes spring enjoyable. Join a little kitten and puppy as they explore their world and enjoy the feel of the warm wind of spring. They encounter all sorts of animals and places as they romp and play in the springtime wind. Puppy and kitten will learn all about wind as they run through the city and countryside.

Bright, colorful illustrations fill each page. Large font, rhyming lyrical words, and simple vocabulary make this a fun to read book for young children. The story is told with the illustrations and tells the reader all of the things that the wind does to make the world special. At the end of the book, the reader will find interesting and fun facts about wind. The publisher has included additional resources online. The website has projects, games, and more that children can access to learn more about the subject. Parents will enjoy the rhythmic reading style and the education the children are learning while having fun. This book would make a great addition to any classroom and could be used for science or story time reading.

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.

Look to the East

Look to the East

The Great War Book 1

Maureen Lang

Julitte lives with her adopted family in the small village of Briecourt. Long before France went to war with the Germans, the town has been at war. Two families have been feuding since before any of them can remember. So when the Germans invade their town, the Toussaints and the de Colvilles must decide whether to unite against them or stay in their feud. 

The book began by telling the story from two different view points; one of a Belgium man and the other from Julitte. It began slow and didn't pick up for me until about two thirds of the way through the book. But once it picked up I enjoyed the interaction between the villagers, the faith message, and a couple of the secondary characters. Most of the characters never really stood out to me, it was definitely more plot driven then character driven. This is a dark time in history and the author was able to convey the seriousness and hardships the villagers endured. There was a strong message of faith woven throughout the book, especially with the two main characters. Overall impression - In looking back after I finished the book, I can say that I liked it. But since it took so long to pick up for me, I can see others quitting before they get that far. There were some questions for me that weren't filled in after finishing the story, holes in the plot. While not a favorite of mine, I think the author is talented and readers who enjoy that period in history will really enjoy this story.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Autumn Brides

Autumn Brides

A Year of Weddings Series

Kathryn Springer, Katie Ganshert, Beth K. Vogt

Each bride in these three stories has a guy that is a friend, but nothing more. Or so they think. But friends make the best husbands, as each woman will learn. Join these autumn brides as they walk down the aisle with their best friend.

This was one of the best collection of novellas that I've read. Each story was sweet, romantic, and had elements of faith woven into the story. The authors wrote about the bonds of family, even those that aren't blood related. The stories were short and simple, but the characters had depth and were relatable. The heroes were the stuff of romantic dreams - flawed, but completely in love with their girl. Two of these authors were new to me, and one already a favorite. So it was nice to meet new authors and read more by a favorite. The stories convinced me to check out what else the new (to me) authors have written. Definitely one I would recommend.

I received this book free of charge from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Hail to Spring!

Hail to Spring!

Charles Ghigna

Springtime brings all kinds of weather. Sometimes that weather includes hail. Join a little kitten and puppy as they explore their world and enjoy the adventure of hail. They encounter all sorts of animals and places as they explore. Puppy and kitten will learn all about hail as they run through the city and countryside.

Bright, colorful illustrations fill each page. Large font, rhyming lyrical words, and simple vocabulary make this a fun to read book for young children. The story is told with the illustrations and tells the reader all of the things that the hail does to make to the world. At the end of the book, the reader will find interesting and fun facts about hail. The publisher has included additional resources online. The website has projects, games, and more that children can access to learn more about the subject. Parents will enjoy the rhythmic reading style and the education the children are learning while having fun. This book would make a great addition to any classroom and could be used for science or story time reading.

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Beth K. Vogt

Vanessa and Logan were high school sweethearts. But two years after their rushed wedding they called it quits. Hurt feelings and regret kept them from keeping in contact afterwards. Fast forward eight years and Vanessa is engaged. Her fiance wants to combine a medical conference with their wedding in Destin, Florida. Vanessa never expects to run into Logan. He left years ago with the storm chaser company that he started while they were married. But a hurricane and mutual friends keep throwing them together unexpectedly. Now they must decide whether to let things go or find out what when wrong.

The story starts slowly and the ending is known from the beginning. The author brought the beach scenery alive. She used flashbacks to tell the relationship between the couple. The story is character driven and deals with emotions and mixed signals. It wraps up quickly with the main three characters resolving their relationships.

I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my review.

Ellie Goes Back to School

Ellie Goes Back to School

The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elephant

Marci Fair

Ellie is a little scared to start school in a new place. Thankfully she has her friend Pudgy who has been to school before. The story takes the reader through a pictorial journey of the day in the life of a kindergartener. The two friends learn that school is not scary and that making new friends is fun.

School can be intimidating to a young child. The author has written a cute book with bright, colorful photography that explains school in simple terms. The vocabulary is age appropriate and the pictures are playful and help minimize any fears a child might have. It would be a great book to have for the parents of children just starting school or transferring to a new school. Using the stuffed animals as characters helps lighten a potentially heavy subject. At the back of the book, young readers are encouraged to join in the fun by sharing pictures of their own stuffed animals.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

Maybe Today

Maybe Today

A Simple Approach to a Soul-Satisfying Life

David Butler & Emily Belle Freeman

When you wake up in the morning are you on the path to a soul-satisfying life? The authors have taken this thought and broken it down into five simple steps that lead the reader into a simple, but beautiful way to live a stress free and fulfilled life. Set against a back drop of gorgeous photograph, each page has large font and thought provoking quotes.

The book was inspiring for the photography alone. But the words were just as powerful. Written in a rhythmic style that doesn't require a ton of words, the authors pointed out the five patterns that lead to a holy and soul-satisfying life. I enjoyed reading the book and think it would make a wonderful gift or personal devotional.

 

I received this book free of charge from Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Irish Meadows

Irish Meadows

Courage to Dream Book 1

Susan Anne Mason
 

Brianna and Colleen are two sisters who don't get along. They, along with their family, live on a horse farm. Their father has aspirations for them marrying well. But both girls have different ideas for their future than their father. As each girl grows up and matures, she realizes what is important and what is worth fighting for.

The book reads like a family saga. The writing flows well and kept me moving through the story. The characters were more numerous than a typical historical romance. The book is laid out so that the main story lines are completed at the end of the book, but characters are set up for the next book in the series. The message of forgiveness and faith was woven throughout the story without it being preachy. I enjoyed the story, but the characters didn't grab me. I didn't fall in love. I will check out more by this author, since I really enjoyed her writing style. I'm just hoping the characters grab me more in the next book.
 

I received this book free of charge from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.

Coloring Dream Mandalas

Coloring Dream Mandalas

30 Hand-Drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation

Wendy Piersall

Coloring has been shown to relax and help adults focus. Artful drawings with a dream theme fill each page and give the viewer a beautiful picture before it's even filled in with color. Some of the mandalas include inspirational quotes as well.

The artwork that fills this book is amazing. I can speak from personal experience that coloring these mandalas is relaxing and calming. The size is great for sliding into my book binder and the pages stay open while I'm coloring. Although the book is marketed to adults, children will enjoy it as well. Both of my children needed some busy work during a meeting and enjoyed using colored pencils on the mandalas. The book would make an excellent gift. I have several and highly recommend them.

I received this book free of charge from Ulysses Press in exchange for my honest review.

Through Waters Deep

Through Waters Deep

Waves of Freedom Book 1

Sarah Sundin

Jim is an officer in the Navy just before the war breaks out. He reconnects with Mary, an old school friend from years ago. Mary quietly works behind the scenes at her job as secretary in the Navel Yard. When she discovers what looks like sabotage she and Jim work together to try to solve the mystery. 

I've read one other book and a novella by this author and really enjoyed them. But this book is now my favorite of hers. The characters were authentic and had depth. The plot of the story came alive with her descriptions, but I never felt bogged down in the details. The mystery and suspense fit well with the romance of the story and the time period. I felt like I was reliving a part of history as well as enjoying a great story. Those who enjoy historical fiction, especially WWII, will really love this book. But anyone who enjoys mystery or romance will also enjoy it. This is an author to put on your favorites list. 

I received this book free of charge from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.